Episode 256 - The Power of Partnership: Ramon Casaus Talks Game-Changing Decisions in Real Estate

What does it take to survive a market crash, build a real estate business in seven cities, and close 700+ deals, all starting from a CPA background? In this high-impact episode of Invest2FI, Craig welcomes Brian Gubernick, who is the Chief Real Estate Officer at PLACE and is widely recognized as an experienced leader in the real estate industry. Who shares his incredible journey from Big Four accountant to leading one of the most successful short-sale teams in the country. With roots in Phoenix, Brian breaks down how he entered real estate during the early 2000s boom, pivoted during the 2008 crisis, and built a team model that helped him scale with partners. If you're an investor, agent, or anyone in real estate, this episode is full of actionable strategies, market predictions, and raw lessons from experience. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:17] So why don’t we kick it off like any good story starts, in the beginning? [04:39] Brian recalls climbing the corporate ladder before pivoting to real estate. [06:17] What occurred during the economic and housing market downturn in 2008. [08:25] We got kind of like 04 to 07—market felt like it was impossible to fail. [10:19] Brian explains the role of REOs in his early real estate investment strategy. [12:43] How he built a vertically integrated real estate business in Phoenix. [14:27] “We were doing 80 to 90 transactions a month at our peak.” [16:40] Why the 2008 crisis was a turning point in his investing career. [19:04] Scaling the business with systems, not just hustle. [21:58] “There are riches in the niches”—Brian’s insights on specializing. [24:36] Transitioning from sales-focused to asset-ownership mindset. [28:10] How owning property management gave him long-term leverage. [32:22] Strategic hiring and leadership tips that drove sustainable growth. [36:45] “You don’t scale chaos”—the importance of operations. [40:17] Educating agents to think like investors (and why it matters). [44:51] Brian talks about mindset and how to win long-term in real estate. [48:35] Why he believes in coaching and constant skill improvement. [52:12] Real estate cycles: timing, patience, and managing investor fear. [56:09] “If I had to start all over again in 2025…” Brian shares what he’d do now. [59:45] Final thoughts: “Play the long game, bet on yourself.” 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 Brian Gubernick  🎙️Podcast: https://nodaysoff.com/ 🔗LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-gubernick-b2ab953/ 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgubernick/?hl=en    

What if your teenage side hustle grew into a real estate empire? In this episode of Invest2FI, guest Sam Wegert shares how he started his first martial arts studio, scaling it into multiple schools before pivoting into real estate. Today, Sam manages over $10 million in co-living and short-term rental properties across markets like Richmond, Austin, and Charlotte.  He explains why 3,000–4,000 sq. ft. homes with good layouts can outperform traditional rentals, how a 2,500 sq. ft. property with 10+ rooms drives cash flow, and why public transportation access in Charlotte changes investment strategy. From his first Airbnb in 2015 to designing scalable housing solutions, Sam breaks down the real numbers, lessons, and growth systems that fueled his journey. Whether you’re new to investing or ready to scale, this episode delivers practical insights. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[06:48] Co-living investments are still in their early stages [07:03] The First Airbnb in 2015 is still highly profitable today [08:04] Early adopters in co-living gain the biggest long-term advantage [09:57] Building strong tenant relationships ensures long-term stays [10:28] Mistakes from Sam’s first co-living house purchase [11:55] 2,500 sq. ft. property converted into 10+ rental rooms [14:59] Sam avoids buying anything under 3,000 sq. ft. today [18:10] Scaling co-living with multi-million-dollar design concepts [19:57] Why Charlotte investors prioritize homes near transit lines [22:48] Breaking down multi million portfolio across Richmond, Austin, Charlotte [34:12] Lessons from market expansion and operational challenges [40:01] Sam predicts a co-living price war, not amenity war [40:34] Even at $600 a room, cash flow stays strong [45:20] Creative financing approaches for scaling multiple properties [54:20] Sam emphasizes mindset shifts to avoid burnout and frustration [57:00] Final advice: stay consistent, focus on value, play long-term 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 Sam Wegert 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samwegert/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wegert-a547ab54/ 💻 Website: https://samwegert.com/ 🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@scaleyourrealestate 🎤Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/scale-your-real-estate-show/id1702820329  

What if the future of real estate wasn’t just about commissions, but about building lifelong wealth and client loyalty? In this episode of the Invest2FI Podcast, host Craig sits down with Ramon Casaus. He is a powerhouse real estate leader who built an independent brokerage in Albuquerque, expanded virtually across New Mexico, and later scaled his career in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ramon shares how discovering PLACE, founded by Ben Kinney and Chris Suarez, completely changed his trajectory.  From early inquiries at the 2019 Keller Williams Family Reunion to hearing the “land on Mars” 10-year vision in Cabo, to partnering with Goldman Sachs-backed PLACE, Ramon discusses clarity, scale, IPO opportunities, and why agents who embrace partnerships are set to thrive. If you’re an agent, investor, or curious about how a trillion-dollar consumer services industry ties into homeownership, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS [04:14] Ramon recalls running his own brokerage in Albuquerque from 2017 to 2020. [05:39] At Keller Williams’ 2019 Family Reunion, he first hears about Place. [07:22] Ben Kinney’s “land on Mars” vision convinces Ramon to go all-in. [08:10] Zillow HQ visit shows him how billion-dollar proptech disrupts the real estate industry. [10:10] Ramon breaks down $100 billion in commissions versus trillion-dollar services. [12:13] Place’s one-stop app for insurance, mortgage, and 37-point inspections. [15:45] Place solves the loyalty gap: 80% say yes, only 15% repeat. [26:51] Place acquisitions and Goldman Sachs backing create efficiency at scale. [28:53] Half of U.S. agents already use Place-owned tech without knowing it. [34:00] Ramon explains 50% guaranteed net profit through partnership, not splits. [37:44] Why a blue-collar work ethic and patience matter for new agents. [40:08] Place partners gain pre-IPO stock at Goldman Sachs valuations. [47:28] Ramon’s “why” is fueled by possibility and the question, Why not? [52:01] Closing thoughts: why Place feels like early Apple or Uber.  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 Ramon Casaus  🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramonabqnm/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramon.casaus/?hl=en  

What if you could solve the housing crisis and build wealth at the same time? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig is joined by Phil Daughton, a general contractor with extensive experience in ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) builds. Together, they discuss the exciting potential of ADUs as a solution to the affordable housing crisis.Phil shares his insights on how to identify properties perfect for ADU development. He also covers key considerations during the building process and the future of this booming investment strategy. From construction tips to the best strategies for zoning regulations, this episode is a must-listen for real estate investors. If you're looking to maximize your properties and contribute to the affordable housing solution, you'll want to hear this. Learn the steps to build your own ADU and how to approach the market with a long-term investment mindset.PODCAST HIGHLIGHT:[04:25] Craig recalls Phil’s meetup talk on ADUs in California with a packed audience.[08:08] Phil shares starting a company in 2020 after leaving full-time work.[11:54] Remembering COVID times, waiting an hour outside Home Depot stores.[15:23] Investor example in California builds two ADUs behind the primary residence.[18:53] Rezoning properties for townhomes shows the city's affordable housing requirements255.[22:35] Guiding homeowners through ADU planning conversations on property potential.[26:03] Selling versus holding long-term property revealed major financial tradeoffs.[29:54] Rising property costs push investors to rethink affordability in California.[33:49] Comparing single-family return rates with multi-unit ADU rental strategies.[37:34] Networking for five years consistently built partnerships and steady project flow.[41:35] Challenges financing multiple ADU builds without overextending project budgets.[45:45] Phil shows confidence in adapting despite market downturns and risks.[49:43] Discussing three chapters from his book on investment lessons learned.[53:40] Comparing toys and material things with long-term wealth investments.HOSTCraig Curelop   📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy   📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy   🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   GUESTPhillip Daughton🌐Website: https://prenvalleybuilders.com/🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-daughton-8a218943/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prenvalleybuilders/?hl=en

What if you could turn one rented apartment into a thriving 2,000-room co-living empire? In this episode of Invest2FI, Sergii Starostin shares his journey from working in healthcare in Ukraine to pioneering co-living operations in New York City. Discover how Sergii turned a single 6-bedroom rental into a scalable business model. He shares how he attracted investors, navigated complex regulations, and built systems to handle massive growth. In this conversation, Sergii also talks about strategies for negotiating with landlords, building a strong team, resolving conflicts, and adapting during crises like COVID-19. Whether you’re curious about co-living as an investment strategy or simply want practical, scalable property management insights, you’ll find plenty of actionable tips here. Sergii dives into the future of co-living, nationwide expansion plans, and how to create real pathways to homeownership for residents. If you want to learn how to scale quickly while keeping risks low, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a masterclass in operational excellence and real estate entrepreneurship. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:57] Sergii’s background from Ukraine to U.S. real estate start[06:58] Launching the first co-living apartment in New York in 2016[09:40] Overcoming landlord objections with strong business planning[14:42] Raising $100K–$150K per project with investor partnerships[17:48] Scaling units rapidly through multi-property landlord deals[21:41] Navigating severe COVID losses and landlord negotiations[24:45] Converting leases to a management model for business survival[26:48] Acquiring failed competitor portfolios during market downturn[29:31] Systems to maintain tenant satisfaction and cleanliness[33:15] Managing conflicts and enforcing house rules effectively[37:19] Team structure: sales, operations, customer service, tech, finance[38:59] First hires and building a balanced sales–operations leadership[40:54] Outpost Club’s expansion plans across the top 10 U.S. metros[44:35] Sergii’s advice: find and secure good deals fast[45:55] Current reads: sci-fi and EOS business methodology[46:57] Sergii’s “why” – creating a path to homeownership for tenantsHOST 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   GUESTSergii Starostin   🌐Website: https://outpost-club.com/ 🔗LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiistarostin/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shailerz/ 📧Email: [email protected]   

How do you turn a seemingly bad investment into a profitable real estate venture? In this episode, Craig sits down with David Edwards, a Houston-based co-living operator, investor, and founder of CoLiving Operations. Dave shares how he left a shaky data analyst job to pursue real estate full time.  From his first $65K house in January 2020 (turned pink inside by accident) to converting dining rooms into bedrooms, Dave walks through his path to an 8-bedroom pad splits yielding $2K+ in monthly cash flow. Learn what it takes to thrive in Houston’s unique rental market, how to mitigate co-living risks, and how his 300+ doors under management started with one “stripper house.” If you're eyeing cash flow, shared housing, or white-glove turnkey co-living investing, this episode delivers unmatched ground-zero detail. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:07] Dave shares why he left data analytics for real estate stability. [04:52] Describes moving from New York to Kingwood in 2019. [06:46] Purchases $65K rental property in January 2020, adds $20K rehab. [09:10] Discovers tenant abandoned the house after claiming COVID multiple times. [09:45] “First thing I see is a stripper pole”—Dave on entering home. [14:30] Rehabs trashed house and sells it, learning hard lessons. [16:45] Discusses April 2020 Kingwood flood-damaged flip yielding $40K profit. [20:45] Converts 5-bed home into 8-bed 3-bath co-living rental. [24:04] “I was cash flowing just shy of $2,000 a month.” [26:35] Sells property subject-to in order to fund duplex development. [33:23] Planning to build 10-bed 10-bath duplexes compliant with local laws. [35:29] Explains arbitrage model using 5-year leases with exit clauses. [39:00] Looks for properties with 60% parking and near public transit. [41:50] Reviews 12 deals weekly but only 3 usually make the cut. [43:45] “12–16% cash-on-cash is realistic—20% is rare in Houston.” [45:00] Uses Airbnb-style insurance in Texas due to co-living challenges. [46:20] “You don’t need to be perfect. Just start moving forward.” [48:30] “I don’t want to disappoint my wife—that’s my why 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    GUESTDavid Edwards 📱 Phone: (917) 482-5894 (text preferred) 👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djedwards83/   

What if you could live rent-free and build over a million dollars in equity within just a few years? In this powerful solo episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop breaks down his real estate investing journey from his very first duplex in Denver in 2017 to building a portfolio of five house hacks that now generate over $10,000 per month in cash flow and nearly $1.2M in equity.  Craig shares raw details, including exact purchase prices, loan types, mortgage payments, and rental income. You’ll hear how he navigated market fears, COVID uncertainty, and even a costly $150,000 structural repair. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an aspiring house hacker, or an investor scaling your portfolio, this episode is packed with proven strategies, real numbers, and inspiration to help you take action in 2025 and beyond. Highlights [03:03] Craig explains his very first duplex purchase in Denver 2017. [05:20] Shares FHA loan details and how he lived behind a curtain. [07:06] Reveals $800 monthly cash flow and $400K equity growth. [08:18] Talks about second house hack in Fortin Colorado in 2018. [09:57] Explains converting four-bedroom home into six-bedroom rental. [12:27] Discusses Airbnb strategy generating $2,000 monthly downstairs. [13:54] Breaks down Arvada property during COVID with studio unit. [15:19] Opens up about $150,000 structural issue and repair costs. [17:45] Describes Cherry Creek six-bed house hack bringing $4,700 rent. [19:45] Summarizes how five house hacks built $1M equity in 8 years. 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 happens when you start with a 10-year prison sentence—and end up managing over $50 million in real estate assets? In this powerful episode of the Invest2FI, Craig Curelop welcomes Alex Donnolo: a real estate expert, public speaker, and former inmate with a story that defies the odds. Alex Donnolo’s life wasn’t always destined for success. Learn how he went from wrongful conviction to creating a thriving business in mobile home park investing through seller financing and operational discipline.  You’ll hear how he scaled from a lawn care hustle to an empire with 21 parks across 11 states and what it really takes to raise capital, build a hybrid investment model, and lead with resilience. Whether you're facing setbacks or looking for a strategic investing edge, this episode delivers inspiration and tactical wisdom in every minute. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[02:35] - Growing up with family of business owners [03:02] Middle school hustling with t-shirts and skateboards [03:10] Ran small business screen printing with friends [03:49] Wrongfully convicted, sentenced to 10 years [06:50] Became national news, withdrew from high school [12:46] While incarcerated, Alex found spiritual guidance [26:45] Started seller-financed mobile home park investing [32:31] Alex manages 21 properties across 11 states, totaling $50 million [34:31] Blended interest rate strategy at 8% [35:59] Exit strategies and contingency planning [38:21] "Hybrid model" gives lenders partial equity [42:40] Doubled value of first MHP in 2 years [45:31] Rent increase strategy done with transparency [47:19] Solo growth after partnership split in 2020 [48:00] Why MHPs outperform storage and multifamily [49:02] Seller-financed deals are harder in storage asset class [51:01] Scaling challenges, building efficient team culture [52:55] Plans to focus more on writing and speaking [53:05] Upcoming book release in September [53:51] Best advice: “Resilience not perfection” by Jim Collins 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 Alex Donnolo  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdonnolo/ 📘  Pre-order his book: https://www.alexdonnolo.com/ 🔍Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2rurhFHovVKJgTxC3d5DBg   

Are you wondering how real estate can fast-track your journey to financial freedom? In this episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop sits down with Scott Trench, a real estate investor, author, and former CEO of BiggerPockets to talk about why he walked away after 7 years at the helm. Scott opens up about leadership, burnout, identity, and what’s next in his journey through financial independence. This conversation digs deep into his personal philosophy on business, freedom, and the evolving meaning of success.  Whether you're building your first portfolio or scaling a team, this candid conversation offers actionable insight and hard-earned wisdom for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Plus, Scott drops golden nuggets on managing teams, family balance, and staying purpose-driven post-FI. Tune in to catch exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and strategic mindset shifts from one of the most influential voices in financial independence. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:47] Scott’s background as real estate investor and former CEO [06:23] Dealing with identity shifts after stepping down as CEO [08:47]Why few investors don't "sell it all" and how long-term ownership builds wealth [11:20] How financial independence changes your spending patterns and priorities [14:19] The mindset shift of owning vs. managing property [17:28] How Scott avoids buying at the market peak [20:54] Understanding value and not overpaying in competitive markets [24:03] Negotiating below market in today’s real estate climate [27:29] The biggest mistakes people make on the path to FI [34:04] How population growth impacts real estate strategy [35:19] Limited supply = opportunity for smart real estate moves [38:56] Deciding between different property types and investment vehicles [42:41] Why Scott still values a bit of “earned income” [46:10] Finding joy in the process, not just the outcome [49:59] Scott’s current focus: family, investing, and the BiggerPockets podcast 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    GUESTScott Trench 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scott_trench/?hl=en 🔍Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-trench-53056a22/  

What would you do if you had no money, no job, and no local connections—but wanted to build a real estate portfolio? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop sits down with Fernando Corona, a real estate investor and private money expert who leveraged out-of-state co-living properties to build wealth from scratch.   Fernando reveals how he went from quitting his job with debt and no income to structuring creative deals, working with partners, and managing high-cash-flow PadSplit properties without ever visiting them in person.  You'll learn what mistakes to avoid, how to work with contractors remotely, raise capital, and scale with the right systems in place. Whether you're new or seasoned in house hacking, partnership investing, or PadSplit rentals, this episode is packed with real-world advice and actionable strategies to grow your portfolio today. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:[03:42] Quit job broke and in debt with no clear plan [06:45] Reduced mortgage by house hacking with roommates out of necessity [09:44] Started first PadSplit investment property remotely in Tennessee [12:44] Chose ideal markets after analyzing cash flow and demand [18:42] Built systems to manage contractors completely out-of-state [21:44] Overlooked renovation costs weren’t included in contractor’s original quote [24:46] Low purchase price markets improve rent-to-cost investment returns [27:47] Mobile homes provide affordable entry with potential cash flow [30:42] Creative financing gave investor-friendly benefits and cash flow [33:42] Evaluates if deal makes sense based on location returns [36:43] Tenant churn in co-living eats into profit margins [39:46] Rental income used to qualify for better financing terms [42:49] Compared co-living, Airbnb, and section eight investment strategies [45:46] Shared personal story and investing journey through recent years 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 Fernando Corona 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsfernandocorona/ 🔍Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-corona/ 📲Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Itsfernandocorona