# House Hacking, Grit, and Intentional Living That Built a Life of Freedom with Craig Curelop

> Episode 98 of the WELLthy Investor Podcast with Craig Curelop

- **Published:** 2025-06-05
- **Duration:** 00:47:49
- **Guest:** Craig Curelop

## Description

Craig Curelop shares how house hacking launched his path to freedom, building wealth and a purpose-driven life. Discover how intentional strategy, faith, and bold decisions built his thriving business and peaceful Idaho lifestyle. See full article: https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/hous

## Chapters

- 00:00 -- - Introduction to The REI Agent Podcast
- 00:06 -- - Meet Mattias and Erica: Hosts with a Holistic Real Estate Vision
- 00:24 -- - Erica’s Absence and Health Update
- 01:05 -- - Murph Workout and CrossFit Recovery Progress
- 02:57 -- - Introducing Guest Craig Curelop and House Hacking Discussion
- 05:33 -- - Craig’s Journey: From Corporate Job to Real Estate Passion
- 08:30 -- - The First House Hack: Airbnb While Living in the Living Room
- 10:29 -- - Equity Growth and Property Appreciation in Denver
- 11:42 -- - Scaling Up: From First to Second and Third House Hacks
- 14:51 -- - Accidentally Becoming a Real Estate Agent
- 18:34 -- - From BiggerPockets to Full-Time Agent Life
- 20:16 -- - Craig’s Growing Team and COVID Market Opportunity
- 22:28 -- - Transitioning to Leadership and Scaling a Team
- 24:21 -- - Partnering with Place for Massive Team Growth
- 26:06 -- - Co-Living Management Model and Passive Investing Strategy
- 28:50 -- - National Expansion: Idaho, Arizona, and San Diego Teams
- 30:34 -- - Craig’s Future: Co-Living Fund and Out-of-State Markets
- 32:10 -- - Cashflow vs. Appreciation Debate for New Investors
- 35:13 -- - Culture-Based Co-Living: A Mission-Driven Housing Strategy
- 36:54 -- - Still Selling in Colorado While Living in Idaho
- 37:55 -- - Idaho Life: Homesteading and the Pursuit of Peace
- 38:46 -- - Morning Routine, Mental Clarity, and Work-Life Balance
- 40:53 -- - Designing a Life Around Intentional Business Building
- 43:06 -- - Relationship Support, Traditional Family Goals, and Priorities
- 44:01 -- - Scaling Through Efficiency and Hiring the Right Help
- 45:13 -- - Golden Nugget: Get Uncomfortable Every Day to Grow
- 46:00 -- - Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts
- 47:22 -- - Where to Follow Craig and Buy the House Hacking Book
- 47:28 -- - Outro and Closing Remarks from Mattias and Erica

## Show Notes

Craig Curelop shares how house hacking launched his path to freedom, building wealth and a purpose-driven life. Discover how intentional strategy, faith, and bold decisions built his thriving business and peaceful Idaho lifestyle.
See full article: https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/house-hacking-grit-and-intentional-living-that-built-a-life-of-freedom-with-craig-curelop/
(00:00) - Introduction to The REI Agent Podcast
(00:06) - Meet Mattias and Erica: Hosts with a Holistic Real Estate Vision
(00:24) - Erica’s Absence and Health Update
(01:05) - Murph Workout and CrossFit Recovery Progress
(02:57) - Introducing Guest Craig Curelop and House Hacking Discussion
(05:33) - Craig’s Journey: From Corporate Job to Real Estate Passion
(08:30) - The First House Hack: Airbnb While Living in the Living Room
(10:29) - Equity Growth and Property Appreciation in Denver
(11:42) - Scaling Up: From First to Second and Third House Hacks
(14:51) - Accidentally Becoming a Real Estate Agent
(18:34) - From BiggerPockets to Full-Time Agent Life
(20:16) - Craig’s Growing Team and COVID Market Opportunity
(22:28) - Transitioning to Leadership and Scaling a Team
(24:21) - Partnering with Place for Massive Team Growth
(26:06) - Co-Living Management Model and Passive Investing Strategy
(28:50) - National Expansion: Idaho, Arizona, and San Diego Teams
(30:34) - Craig’s Future: Co-Living Fund and Out-of-State Markets
(32:10) - Cashflow vs. Appreciation Debate for New Investors
(35:13) - Culture-Based Co-Living: A Mission-Driven Housing Strategy
(36:54) - Still Selling in Colorado While Living in Idaho
(37:55) - Idaho Life: Homesteading and the Pursuit of Peace
(38:46) - Morning Routine, Mental Clarity, and Work-Life Balance
(40:53) - Designing a Life Around Intentional Business Building
(43:06) - Relationship Support, Traditional Family Goals, and Priorities
(44:01) - Scaling Through Efficiency and Hiring the Right Help
(45:13) - Golden Nugget: Get Uncomfortable Every Day to Grow
(46:00) - Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts
(47:22) - Where to Follow Craig and Buy the House Hacking Book
(47:28) - Outro and Closing Remarks from Mattias and Erica
Contact Craig Curelop
https://www.thefiteam.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy
For more great info on enhancing your holistic journey to true freedom, visit https://reiagent.com

## Links

- [Listen on web](https://anchor.fm/s/f92ea708/podcast/play/103583517/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2025-5-3%2F401475700-44100-2-f7017554d05bf.mp3)
- [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n64WREL6sK8)
- [Full HTML version](https://reiagent.com/episodes/ep-098-house-hacking-grit-and-intentional-living-that-built-a-life-/)