Episode 243 – Mastering Short-Term Rentals, Co-Living Investing & Real Estate Growth Strategies with Cliff Johnson

Are you ready to discover how short-term rentals and co-living properties can transform your real estate investment returns?  In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with Cliff Johnson, co-founder of Vakasa and current president of PadSplit, the leader in co-living rentals. Cliff shares his inspiring journey from attorney to real estate entrepreneur, how he built a vacation rental empire starting with a profitable oceanfront home in Oregon, and the strategic insights that helped him navigate complex markets and regulations.

Learn how Cliff leveraged data-driven approaches and innovative income guarantees to grow Vakasa and successfully transition into boutique hotels and co-living properties. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned investor, Cliff’s story offers actionable lessons on identifying high-yield markets, adapting to evolving rental trends, and building wealth with multi-family and short-term rental investments. Don’t miss this insider perspective from a key player in the co-living revolution.

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Watch the episode here

Listen to the podcast here

Podcast Highlights:

[04:36] Cliff shares how he transitioned from attorney to real estate entrepreneur

[08:10] Explanation of Vakasa’s income guarantee model to owners

[15:25] Cliff’s first purchase in Rockaway Beach Oregon was a home run

[20:40] How data and market knowledge guided property selections and strategies

[23:17] Discussion on managing short-term rentals with high monthly revenue

[32:47] Transition from vacation rentals to boutique hotels explained

[36 45] Insights on why co-living works better in cities than short-term rentals

[39:50] How regulatory environments affect rental market opportunities

[52 20] The future of co-living and PadSplit’s role in affordable urban housing

[57:10] Cliff’s advice for investors entering short-term rental and co-living markets

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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

Cliff Johnson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsoncliff/

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🔗 Affiliate Links

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2. 🎟️ Co-Living Conference – June 6–7, 2025:  https://co-livingconference.com
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