In this episode of The Co-Living Show, Craig Curelop and Miller McSwain sit down with Caitlyn Verdugo — aka Co-Living Cait — an Atlanta-based co-living agent, investor, operator, capital raiser, and coach who’s been in the space since the early PadSplit days.

Atlanta is one of the most mature co-living ecosystems in the U.S., and Caitlyn has seen the model evolve from “rent-by-the-room” experiments into a real operating business. She shares what she’s learned from acquiring and running co-living homes, how she approaches conversions (including garage builds), and why she intentionally designs each house to feel like a home — not a template.

This conversation is packed with operator-level nuance: screening beyond platform checks, searching local eviction records, managing resident conflict without becoming a mediator, and how to build systems that protect your time while improving resident experience.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Caitlyn’s origin story: real estate agent → house hacker → co-living operator
• How she used her real estate commission creatively to reduce money needed to buy
• Why Atlanta’s market maturity makes PadSplit a major factor in marketing + leasing
• Lessons from her first co-living conversion (capital gaps, holding costs, and what she’d do differently)
• What she looks for in co-living properties: layouts, vintage builds, no HOA, conversion potential
• Garage conversions: HVAC strategies, insulation, code risks, and payback vs. “ROI” framing
• Her signature approach: naming houses + themed rooms to enhance resident experience
• The screening stack: forms, interviews, and why she checks eviction records manually
• How she prevents resident conflict with boundaries, addendums, and expectations
• Handling tenant-landlord conflict fast (and why respect is non-negotiable)
• Women in co-living: safety realities, contractor dynamics, and solving problems differently
• Building She Leads Co-Living / Wealth By The Room to support women operators
• How to find operators in your market (Facebook groups, meetups, and “search within groups” strategy)
• The Big 3: a tenant horror story, her first house rule, and her most valuable operating system

Follow the Hosts

Miller McSwain: www.instagram.com/millermcswain
Craig Curelop: www.instagram.com/craigcurelop

Join our FREE Community: www.millermcswain.com/community

Guest: Caitlyn “CoLiving Cait” Verdugo

Find her as CoLiving Cait across social platforms and check out her community:

• She Leads Co-Living (women-focused events + network)
• Wealth By The Room (education + coaching series)

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Co-Living Show — where hosts Craig Curelop and Miller McSwain break down how to build real cash flow with room-by-room rentals.

In this first full episode, we lay the foundation:
Why co-living is misunderstood, what most investors get wrong, and how Craig + Miller approach the strategy from two different seats — growth + acquisitions (Craig) and operations + systems (Miller). You’ll also hear their personal stories, how Miller scaled to 7 properties / 51 rooms, why networking changed everything, and how this partnership (and podcast) came to be.

No hype. No fluff. Just the real numbers, renovations, zoning, and operations behind co-living.

Join the free community: millermcswain.com/community
Leave a rating + review and share this with an investor who’s serious about co-living.

🎙️ Trailer: Welcome to The Co-Living Show

In this official trailer, hosts Miller McSwain and Craig Curelop introduce The Co-Living Show—the first podcast built specifically for operators and investors who want real, scalable cash flow without pretending shared housing is simple.

This show goes beyond surface-level advice and passive-income hype. It’s about what actually works in high-density residential real estate—and what breaks if you’re not prepared.

🔍 What This Show Is About
On The Co-Living Show, we dive deep into:
- Zoning and compliance that can make or kill deals
- Insurance strategies that actually work with density
- Designing properties that survive real tenants
- Pricing rooms for true revenue (not theory)
- Building systems to manage room rentals at scale
- Finding, analyzing, and renovating co-living deals
- Real operator stories, mistakes, and case studies

No fluff. No fairy tales. No guru talk.
Just real business, inside residential real estate.

🤝 Why This Duo Works
Miller and Craig bring two complementary skill sets:
Miller focuses on operations, systems, and scalable management
Craig focuses on acquisitions, analysis, renovations, and growth
Together, they cover the full lifecycle of a co-living business:
Find it. Fund it. Build it. Run it. Scale it.

🏘️ A Win-Win Mission
With housing affordability becoming a nationwide challenge, co-living offers a real solution—for both renters and investors.

This show explores how to:
- Create affordable housing responsibly
- Build profitable, sustainable portfolios
- Help residents progress toward financial independence
- Align impact with income

If you want high cash flow and long-term value, this show is for you.

📲 Connect With the Hosts
Follow along for behind-the-scenes content, insights, and updates:
Miller: https://instagram.com/millermcswain
Craig: https://instagram.com/thefiguy

▶️ Who This Show Is For
This podcast is for you if you’re:
✔️ Running or scaling a co-living portfolio
✔️ Exploring rent-by-room strategies
✔️ Tired of surface-level real estate advice
✔️ Serious about building a real business
✔️ Focused on operations, not just acquisitions

If that’s you—welcome.

This is your room.

#financialindependence ​ #millionaire​ #househack​ #househacking​ #realestate​ #realestateinvesting​ #passiveincome​ #invest​ #investwisely​ #buildwealth​ #FIREmovement​ #retireearly​ #bedifferent​ #business​ #safetynet​ #invest​ #winning​ #realestateinvestor​ #wealthbuilding​ #entrepreneur​ #biggerpockets

After over five years and more than 260 episodes, host Craig Curelop, known as The FI Guy and a leading voice in real estate investing and financial independence, announces the bittersweet farewell of the Invest2FI Podcast. In this short but heartfelt episode, Craig reflects on the podcast’s incredible journey, lessons learned from scaling and focus, and what’s next for his ventures in co-living, real estate investing, and coaching.

Gain insight into his mindset shift, upcoming projects with The FI Team and HomeCrew.co, and how to stay connected as Craig continues to inspire investors nationwide.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:19] Farewell announcement and reflections on five transformative years of Invest2FI.[00:29] Craig explains his decision to discontinue the podcast and lessons from Scaling.com.
[01:18] Insights from Benjamin Hardy and learning to eliminate tasks “below the floor.”
[02:02] Shifting focus to The FI Team’s mission to reduce the U.S. retirement age to 55. [02:20] Deep dive into co-living investments and operational scaling strategies.
[02:52] Discussing future growth models including franchising and investor funds.
[03:34] Why co-living aligns with solving America’s housing affordability crisis.
[04:07] Craig assures continued real estate work and support for investors nationwide.
[05:01] Details on property management structure and criteria for co-living homes.
[05:52] Heartfelt goodbye, gratitude to listeners, and an invitation to stay connected.

HOST

Craig Curelop

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy

📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy

🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze

What if real estate could rebuild lives while building lasting wealth? In this 45-minute episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop welcomes back real estate investor Jim Boad for an in-depth conversation about scaling success through trust, discipline, and purpose. Jim shares how he pivoted during COVID from struggling rentals to sober-living group homes that blend community impact with strong returns.

Operating in a small Washington market near Olympia, he explains his model of five-bedroom, three-bath homes renting for $700 per bed, often partnered with recovery clinics and DOC reentry programs that prepay several months in advance.

Jim also discusses leveraging $100K–$200K grants, launching a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and working with private lenders at two points and ten percent interest to fund and scale 18 new builds. This episode reveals how purpose-driven investing can generate both financial freedom and meaningful community change.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:42] Craig tees up the sober living deep dive with Jim’s backstory.

[04:00] COVID nonpaying rentals force Jim to pivot toward group homes.

[5:24] Buys a $500 coaching course overnight and launches within a week.

[07:39] Converts rentals into sober living homes and adds extra bedrooms.

[09:41] Payment totals $2,700 monthly; collects $7,000 using per-bed rent.

[11:03] Residents’ stays are prepaid for two to six months by recovery programs.

[12:01] Operations manager Shay handles calls, phones, and food support.

[15:31] Random drug testing; any failed test leads to immediate removal.

[18:00] Explains the drug-free rule to maintain state and grant compliance.

[20:47] Research areas by mapping local clinics and case manager networks.

[24:03] Expands via referrals from agencies impressed with his housing quality.

[27:36] Keeps furnishing simple, durable furniture, storage, and ready rooms only.

[28:12] Secures $200,000 in grant funding and forms a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

[30:26] Grants fund operations, staff, utilities, and resident scholarships.

[32:26] Now building 18 homes, start two, refinance, then repeat the process.

[34:20] Private lenders fund projects at two points and ten percent interest.

[34:51] He met his main lender at a bar, proof that valuable connections can happen anywhere.

[36:16] Keeps 30–35% equity to build long-term legacy instead of chasing quick profits.

[41:37] Advises new investors to start small and build credibility through consistency.

[42:26] Success story: one property doubled in value through patience and discipline.

HOST

Craig Curelop

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy

📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy

🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze

GUEST

Jim Boad

📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567072777563

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-boad-aba962b5

Ever wondered how to invest in one of the most expensive housing markets in America and still make it profitable? In this inspiring episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop is with Yoni Kaszynski, a scrappy real estate investor who turned a high-cost Seattle market into a powerful cash-flow machine.

Yoni reveals how he financed his projects with a 0% AMEX card, filled rooms through Facebook Marketplace, and managed construction chaos while working full-time. He shares candid insights on finding reliable contractors, scaling property management, and achieving financial independence through real estate—without overcomplicating the process.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start investing on a budget or turn a small deal into a freedom-generating portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom, real numbers, and unfiltered lessons from a self-made investor on the rise.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:32] Yoni shares his move from Chicago to Seattle-Tacoma.

[04:13] Explains how real estate seemed only for the wealthy

[04:36] Explains early condo hunt and why Seattle HOA rules killed cash flow.

[08:01] Realtor pivots him toward Pierce County and Tacoma multi-family options.

[08:46] Finds $623,000 triplex; inherited 2-bed unit renting for $2,291 monthly.

[09:45] Discovers “studio” was a converted beauty salon with permit issues.

[11:06] First lender blocks the deal— bans ADUs on multi-family.

[11:04] Yoni calls 300 lenders and finds one that keeps the 6.88% rate intact.

[12:55] Closes with 5% down, 3% credits, and minimal points at signing.

[15:45] Rents two bedrooms at $925 each via Facebook Marketplace fast.

[22:20] Camper strategy: buys $4,900 unit, lives there to free up studio.

[22:36] Property grosses $6,300/month on $4,450 PITIMI—positive cash flow achieved.

[28:58] Second deal: $656,500 four-bed, four-bath with ADU near first house.

[32:37] PIT around $5,300; fully rented gross target near $8,000 per month.

[36:45] Uses 0% AmEx for renovation materials—pays it down through rent flow.

[38:50] Shares contractor lessons: feed crews, keep scope clear, avoid rework.

[46:19] Final advice: stay scrappy, act fast, and systemize what works.

HOST

Craig Curelop

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy

📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy

🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze

GUEST

Yoni Kaszynski: https://www.instagram.com/yonikaszynski

What if one “smelly” condo became the springboard to financial independence, luxury short-term rentals, and a reverse 1031 into a waterfront Arizona home? In this Invest2FI episode, Craig is with Maui-based investor and former firefighter Mike Neubauer about turning creative strategy into real results. You’ll hear how Mike and his wife Caroline targeted hotel-zoned lockout condos on Maui, bought a $540,000 fixer that “smelled like cat urine,” DIY-renovated on a tight deadline, and optimized pricing to hit ninety-seven percent blended occupancy and 10,000–12,000 monthly revenue.

Mike breaks down the numbers behind a $ 7,000 net cash flow, then explains selling that unit for $ 1.365 million and using a reverse 1031 exchange to acquire and upgrade a $ 1.0 million lakefront home in Gilbert, Arizona, with a $ 400,000 remodel. What’s for you? A repeatable playbook for markets, zoning, lockouts, pricing levers, and exchanges you can apply now.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[04:32] Mike’s background in photography and graphic design

[05:56] Earning his first passive income through Amazon book royalties.

[06:42] A firefighter mentor in Maui introduces him to short-term rentals.

[07:15] Mike reflects on the fire tragedy and retiring before 2021.

[08:53] He discusses building an ADU to house hack their first property.

[10:58] Strategy focused on Maui lockout condos with hotel zoning advantage.

[13:45] He details buying a $540k condo and budgeting $40k renovation.

[15:29] Handyman backed out, forcing Mike to learn DIY via YouTube.

[22:41] Occupancy soared to 97%, generating $10–12k in monthly revenue.

[23:19] Net profits hit $6–7k monthly after all operating expenses.

[25:08] They sold the Maui condo for $1.365M, using reverse 1031.

[26:42] Invested $1M in Gilbert lake house, adding $400k renovations.

[36:36] A preview of a 20-unit glamping development near Zion National Park.

[40:49] Mike emphasizes picking syndicators carefully, investing in operators not assets.

[42:42] His future plans include Coeur d’Alene living, Caroline’s Maui realtor expansion.

[52:05] Advice to invest early, network hard, and stay consistent.

HOST

Craig Curelop

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy

📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy

🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze

GUEST

Mike Neubauer

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeyneu/?hl=en

🎙️Podcast: https://ourfamilyinvests.com/

📱Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.maui/

What if your “safe” job was the very thing keeping you from true financial independence? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop interviews Dustin Heiner, founder of Master Passive Income and REWBCON. Dustin shares how he left his county IT job in California in 2006 and built a real estate portfolio in Phoenix, Arizona, that generated enough cash flow to retire by 37.

This conversation covers the mindset shifts that led him to challenge the traditional “work until 65” narrative, the exact strategies he used to buy single-family rentals with less than $20,000 saved, and the freedom number that set him free.

You’ll hear how Dustin built scalable systems, overcame costly mistakes, and now teaches thousands how to create generational wealth. If you’re ready to break out of the J-O-B cycle and start investing with purpose, this episode is your blueprint.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:17] Dustin opens by sharing how traditional career paths often trap workers.

[06:09] He recalls the moment his job felt like “led bricks.”

[08:41] Dustin explains being laid off despite having a good boss.

[11:32] He notes there weren’t great YouTube videos to learn investing.

[13:59] Dustin describes deciding to approach real estate differently from others.

[16:49] He compares earning 25 cents profit on every rental deal.

[19:38] Dustin recalls people doubting his ability to build passive income.

[22:02] He details branching out from California to Texas and Arizona.

[24:36] Dustin explains why families became his best long-term tenants.

[27:07] He emphasizes the importance of scaling a rental portfolio.

[29:41] Dustin shares building systems that made $300–$500 each month..

[31:58] He stresses helping people while becoming financially independent.

[34:18] Dustin advises cutting expenses to accelerate financial freedom.

[37:37] He reflects on challenges faced with early property acquisitions.

[40:41] Dustin reveals buying into a $35 million apartment complex.

[44:06] He responds passionately about lessons learned along the journey.

[47:22] Dustin shares attending conferences to network with real estate investors.

[50:46] He warns that tough times will strengthen investors over time.

[53:41] Dustin offers his best single piece of real estate advice.

[56:53] He closes with a lighthearted reference to a favorite movie.

HOST

Craig Curelop

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy

📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy

🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze

GUEST

Dustin Heiner

🌐 Website: https://masterpassiveincome.com/

📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedustinheiner

🔗Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MasterPassiveInc/

▶️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MasterPassiveIncome