Author

Craig Curelop

Craig Curelop (aka the FI Guy), is stationed in Denver, Colo., and is a real estate agent, investor, author, and employee of BiggerPockets. He is primarily known for taking a very aggressive approach toward achieving financial independence.

Experience
Starting with $90,000 in student loan debt and a negative $30,000 net worth in 2017, Craig used various tactics to make more, spend less, and invest the difference wisely to become financially independent 2.5 years later in 2019. In over 50 articles, Craig has written about all of these strategies and more on the BiggerPockets Blog.

Craig’s story has caught the attention of media outlets like The Denver Post and the BBC and many real estate/personal finance podcasts, including ChooseFI, Side Hustle Nation, the Best Ever Real Estate Podcast, not to mention a repeat guest on the BiggerPockets Real Estate (#252 and #350) and the BiggerPockets Money (#35 and #95) podcasts.

Craig has read hundreds of books, listened to thousands of podcasts, and talked to thousands of people in the real estate and personal finance community. With all of the knowledge gained, he was able to write a book called The House Hacking Strategy, which is the perfect blend of real estate and personal finance.

Over the past 2.5 years, he has done three house hacks, a flip in Jacksonville, Fla., and lent on a condo-conversion in Boston, Mass. He is now looking to step up his real estate game by doing BRRRRs in Denver and other areas.

Education
Craig earned a bachelor’s of science in Business Administration with a concentration on Finance and Management Information Systems while minoring in Economics at Northeastern University.

Accreditations
Real estate broker in Denver, Colo.

Follow
LinkedIn
Instagram @thefiguy

Accreditations
Real estate broker in Denver, Colo.

Follow
LinkedIn
Instagram @thefiguy

Real Estate Business Management 6 min read

Oct 25, 2020Mar 16, 2021 Craig Curelop

The 3 Main Stages of Scaling Your Small Business

In business ownership, everything is earned, as demonstrated by these examples of how you can grow your business in three main stages.

FIRE & Retirement 5 min read

Aug 09, 2020Feb 24, 2024 Craig Curelop

Life Hacking in Pursuit of Financial Freedom: How I Add $1,500+/Mo to My Income

With a little life hacking, you can make money on what are normally Americans' two largest expenses. Talk about expediting your journey towards early financial freedom!

Opinion 6 min read

Jul 14, 2020Feb 24, 2024 Craig Curelop

Your Car Is an Expensive, Health-Sucking, Time-Wasting Machine. So, Ditch It!

Your car sucks. On top of being the most inefficient means of transportation, it also sucks your health, your money, and even your time. Hear me out.

Short-Term Rentals 5 min read

May 18, 2020Jan 05, 2024 Craig Curelop

Coronavirus & Short-Term Rentals: How I Made Up for Lost Profits (& How My Numbers Were Impacted)

COVID-19 is impacting all sorts of industries—one being short-term rentals. Would-be Airbnb-ers are afraid to travel, or lost their job and can't afford it, or the event they planned to…

Saving 6 min read

Apr 20, 2020Jan 27, 2024 Craig Curelop

14 Extreme Ways to Save (for Those Hungry for Money to Invest)

This article is not for beginners. It’s not for those just thinking about purchasing their first property in pursuit of financial independence. It’s for those who are ready, willing, and…

BiggerPockets Daily 6 min read

Apr 17, 2020Feb 24, 2024 Craig Curelop

7 Habits You Didn’t Know Were Derailing Your Finances Every Month

I am keenly aware of the impact of these activities and practice them significantly less than the average American. Seeking financial freedom? Now, it’s your turn to scale back.

Saving 6 min read

Apr 06, 2020Feb 24, 2024 Craig Curelop

5 Frugality Myths Americans Believe That Would Make Ben Franklin Cry

Now, more than ever, being frugal and wise with money is vital. In fact, frugality is the single most important trait to adopt if you seek to attain financial independence. When first…

Real Estate Partnerships 7 min read

Apr 04, 2020Jan 15, 2024 Craig Curelop

The Surefire Way to Find the Best Real Estate Agent in 3 Simple Steps

There are 1.4 million real estate agents in the United States, making it one of the most saturated industries in our economy. Why? The barriers to entry are so low.…

Diversifying Your Investments 10 min read

Mar 12, 2020Feb 24, 2024 Craig Curelop

How to Use Turo to Rent Out Your Car

Tired of your car costing you major money every month? Turns out cars CAN produce cash flow! Learn from one experienced "side-hustler" how to rent out your car Airbnb-style (as…

Personal Development & Goals 6 min read

Jan 27, 2020Mar 16, 2021 Craig Curelop

I’m Quitting My Job at BiggerPockets—Here’s Why

The time has come. After almost three fantastic years of being a BiggerPockets employee, it is time for me to transition from employee to employer. I have been thinking about…

Saving 6 min read

Jan 11, 2020Feb 24, 2024 Craig Curelop

How to Slash Your Food Bill in Half (AND Support Good Health)

Food expenses vary based on the amount of people one is supporting in their household. But for the average, single American, let's assume it costs $6,000 per year, or $500…

Real Estate Investing For Beginners 5 min read

Jan 03, 2020Mar 16, 2021 Craig Curelop

The New Investor’s Simplified Guide to Landing a First Investment Property

It’s like the old cliché goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” That elephant is a metaphor for your first deal. The way you overcome…

Personal Development & Goals 7 min read

Dec 28, 2019Mar 16, 2021 Craig Curelop

4 Reasons Your New Year’s Resolutions Will Crash and Burn (& How to Change That)

The concept of a New Year's resolution is completely bogus and against human nature. Learn why they make zero sense and what you should do instead here.