Episode 239 - From Rocket Science to Co-Living Profits: Miller McSwain on Transforming Real Estate Strategies

INVEST2FI

Could a flexible rental model be the game-changer your property needs? In this episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop sits down with Miller McSwain, a former nuclear rocket scientist turned full-time real estate investor and author of Co-Living Cash Flow by BiggerPockets.

Starting with just two house hacks in Colorado Springs, Miller now oversees 6 co-living properties totaling over 50 rentable rooms, proving that strategic co-living can outpace traditional rental strategies — even in today’s high-interest-rate environment. Learn how Miller scaled his portfolio, designed high-retention communities, boosted cash flow with simple renovation tweaks, and managed operations to maximize tenant satisfaction. He also shares critical mistakes, like contractor red flags, that beginners can easily avoid.

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:

[03:44] Miller discusses how games ignited his interest in exponential growth.
[06:05] His first investment in mutual funds, influenced by Dave Ramsey.
[08:55] Shares decision-making behind studying nuclear engineering in Tennessee.
[11:01] Describes first exposure to real estate via his parents’ duplex idea.
[15:25] Road trip story finding the right Colorado city for house hacking.
[17:02] Breaks down numbers on first Colorado Springs co-living house hack.
[20:05] Lessons from managing tenants, hiring cleaners, and improving systems.
[25:50] Miller's second house hack: buying under market and adding bedrooms.
[31:00] How to build strong community culture inside a co-living house.
[33:30] Systems for leases, group chats, pizza nights, and boosting retention.
[37:39] His experience financing co-living houses with conventional and DSCR loans.
[39:00] Miller shares his plans for expanding his co-living portfolio.
[44:15] Learn more about Miller’s book, Co-Living Cash Flow, and the co-living strategy.
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
Miller McSwain
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millermcswain
📘Book: https://millermcswain.com/book/
🌐Website: https://millermcswain.com/

Co-living Conference: https://app.stormgrowthgroup.com/v2/preview/yZ4xXuM6ol1fTANaAYBV?notrack=true