How can you double your rental cash flow while creating a meaningful community? In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop welcomes back co-living expert and long-time community builder Grant Shipman. With over two decades of co-living experience—both as a resident and investor—Grant breaks down why co-living is not just a trend, but a sustainable housing model that’s here to stay.
From his accidental beginnings in intentional shared living to managing profitable co-living spaces, Grant explains how healthy household dynamics, conflict resolution systems, and good design make co-living a win for both tenants and landlords. They also unpack the rise and fall of VC-backed co-living startups like Common and Ollie, why smaller operators are thriving, and how platforms like PadSplit are reshaping the landscape.
If you’re looking for a strategy with massive upside—financially and socially—this episode is packed with investor insights, operational tips, and future predictions. You’ll also hear about the first-ever Co-Living Conference happening June 6–7, 2025, in Denver—a must-attend event for real estate innovators.
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Watch the episode here
Listen to the podcast here
Podcast Highlights:
[04:49] How co-living started accidentally for grant in 2000
[07:24] 21 years of co-living and why he stayed committed
[09:20] How community naturally forms in shared spaces
[10:51] Resolving conflict in co-living strengthens relationships
[11:55] Grant’s first conflict story in a seven-person house
[17:41] Double rental income and higher cash flow with co-living
[19:14] Shift from transitional housing to mainstream shared living
[22:35] Why most VC-backed co-living startups failed post-COVID
[24:05] Padsplit’s survival and the role of software in success
[26:58] How saturation won’t stop good co-living operators
[33:39] Grant’s average cash flow in cash flow markets
[36:15] The key question where does co-living work well
[38:49] Details of the first U.S. co-living conference
[42:19] Final pitch for co-living event and community
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Important Links
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
Grant Shipman
🏘️ Website: https://livingsmithpro.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingsmithpro/
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🔗 Affiliate Links
- Don’t miss out on resources of great value for real estate starters. Visit FITeam’s website! — https://www.thefiteam.com/
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Co-Living Conference Tickets: https://co-livingconference.com
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The Co-Living Book by Miller McSwain: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/co-living-cash-flow-a-biggerpockets-guide
