What if real estate could rebuild lives while building lasting wealth? In this 45-minute episode of Invest2FI, host Craig Curelop welcomes back real estate investor Jim Boad for an in-depth conversation about scaling success through trust, discipline, and purpose. Jim shares how he pivoted during COVID from struggling rentals to sober-living group homes that blend community impact with strong returns.  

Operating in a small Washington market near Olympia, he explains his model of five-bedroom, three-bath homes renting for $700 per bed, often partnered with recovery clinics and DOC reentry programs that prepay several months in advance.  

Jim also discusses leveraging $100K–$200K grants, launching a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and working with private lenders at two points and ten percent interest to fund and scale 18 new builds. This episode reveals how purpose-driven investing can generate both financial freedom and meaningful community change. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: 

[03:42 ] Craig tees up the sober living deep dive with Jim’s backstory. 

[04:00 ] COVID nonpaying rentals force Jim to pivot toward group homes. 

[5:24 ] Buys a $500 coaching course overnight and launches within a week. 

[07:39 ] Converts rentals into sober living homes and adds extra bedrooms. 

[09:41 ] Payment totals $2,700 monthly; collects $7,000 using per-bed rent. 

[11:03 ] Residents’ stays are prepaid for two to six months by recovery programs. 

[12:01 ] Operations manager Shay handles calls, phones, and food support. 

[15:31 ] Random drug testing; any failed test leads to immediate removal. 

[18:00 ] Explains the drug-free rule to maintain state and grant compliance. 

[20:47 ] Research areas by mapping local clinics and case manager networks. 

[24:03 ] Expands via referrals from agencies impressed with his housing quality. 

[27:36 ] Keeps furnishing simple, durable furniture, storage, and ready rooms only. 

[28:12 ] Secures $200,000 in grant funding and forms a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 

[30:26 ] Grants fund operations, staff, utilities, and resident scholarships. 

[32:26 ] Now building 18 homes, start two, refinance, then repeat the process. 

[34:20 ] Private lenders fund projects at two points and ten percent interest. 

[34:51 ] He met his main lender at a bar, proof that valuable connections can happen anywhere. 

[36:16 ] Keeps 30–35% equity to build long-term legacy instead of chasing quick profits. 

[41:37 ] Advises new investors to start small and build credibility through consistency. 

[42:26 ] Success story: one property doubled in value through patience and discipline. 

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 

Jim Boad  

📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567072777563  

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-boad-aba962b5