'The FI Couple' reveals how they got started in real estate investing

March 19, 2026 - 09:55

Popular financial independence duo Ali and Josh Lupo, widely known as The FI Couple, recently opened up about the foundational strategies that launched their successful property portfolio. The pair detailed their journey from initial savings to their first investment on a recent financial program.

The Lupos emphasized that their start was methodical and disciplined, built not on large capital but on strategic planning. They highlighted the critical importance of financial groundwork, which involved aggressive saving to accumulate a down payment while meticulously researching markets. Their first property, they revealed, was a deliberate house-hack—a multi-unit purchase where living in one unit helped offset the mortgage with rental income from the others.

For new investors, their core advice is to begin with education and clear goal-setting. They urge aspiring investors to thoroughly understand their local market, run detailed financial projections for every potential property, and start with a manageable investment that aligns with their long-term financial independence goals. The couple stresses that building a portfolio is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring patience and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt strategies over time.