Episode 240 - How Co-Living Can Double Your Rental Income: Grant Shipman’s Proven 21-Year Strategy

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.  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   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  🎟️ Co-Living Conference Tickets: https://co-livingconference.com  📚 The Co-Living Book by Miller McSwain: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/co-living-cash-flow-a-biggerpockets-guide?srsltid=AfmBOopIYB9b8MqjxMqt92ah1DCYaVjlscMbITIB9fEAD0sE1mruvlZl  GUEST Grant Shipman 🏘️ Website: https://livingsmithpro.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingsmithpro/