What do soccer and real estate investing have in common? Grit. In this episode of Invest2FI, Craig Curelop is with former professional soccer player turned house hacker, Eric Lafon. Eric shares his remarkable transition from a European soccer league to climbing the property ladder in Denver—while cash flowing $1,500/month in 2024’s high-rate market.

This episode discusses co-living strategies, building resilience after layoffs, traveling frugally across 35+ countries, and how Eric turned a severance check into a financial pivot. Tune in to hear how he discovered BiggerPockets, mastered creative financing, and built a thriving real estate portfolio—starting with just one room.

Whether you're a traveling minimalist, athlete, or nine-to-fiver dreaming of financial independence, Eric's story will show you what’s possible with smart investing and community-minded real estate. Don’t miss this high-value episode.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:44] Transitioning from sports to a low-paying software job

[04:05] Discovery of BiggerPockets during COVID lockdown

[09:49] Told 15-year-old dreams don’t pay bills and shifted goals

[13:04] Took higher role realizing he needed purpose beyond career

[16:53] How frugality and long-term travel built financial discipline

[19:30] Moving to Denver without job and landing one Day One

[21:15] Volunteering in co-living in Oaxaca sparks new vision

[23:06] Using new W2 to get pre-approved and find right property

[26:00] Why co-living offered better ROI than duplex strategy

[28:50] Buying a 4-bed, 3,000 sq ft house optimized for co-living

[37:07] Biggest mindset shifts since becoming a property owner

[38:30] Dealing with property management and early co-living issues

[42:00] Learning lease management and tenant communication skills

[45:20] You don't need to hustle 24/7 if systems are working

[48:33] FI isn’t about retiring early but about intentional life design

[51:47] Inspired to help others find clarity, confidence, financial peace

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

Eric Lafon

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soylafon/

Episode 248 - From Pro Soccer to Profitable House Hacks: Eric Lafon’s Road to Financial Independence Through Co-Living & Real Estate

The Co-Living Show