Kim Russ, PadSplit host and founding partner at Blue View Partners and Curated CoLiving Coaching, reveals the strategies behind her success and how she and her partners rapidly scaled their portfolio.
Scaling a PadSplit portfolio quickly is something many hosts aspire to, but few understand what it actually takes behind the scenes. When we launched, we had a clear vision: create secure, clean, high-quality, affordable housing while building a strong real estate business that provided both profit and purpose. What we didn’t know at the time was just how fast that vision would grow — eventually earning us PadSplit’s 2025 Fastest Expansion Award.
But our rapid expansion didn’t happen by accident. It was the result of intentional decisions, strategic partnerships, aligned teamwork, and a willingness to learn from those who walked the path before us. As more investors enter the coliving space, we’re excited to share the insights, mindsets, and practices that made our growth possible — so you can accelerate your own.
Learning from experienced operators: The decision that changed everything
At the very beginning of our journey, we made one of the smartest decisions we’ve ever made: we invested in coaching.
Instead of trying to piece together scattered information or learn through trial and error, we chose to learn directly from people who had already mastered the PadSplit model. This single choice allowed us to move quickly, avoid mistakes, and build our foundation with clarity and confidence. The guidance we received early on paid dividends immediately — and continues to pay off as we scale.
Looking back, we can confidently say that paying for speed was worth every penny. Coaching removed the guesswork and gave us the framework we needed to get to momentum far faster than we could have achieved on our own.
The power of a team operating in their ‘zone of genius’
Another key to our expansion has been the strength of our team. Each of us — myself, my husband Mike, and our partners Gaelynn and Simms — brings different talents and perspectives to the business. From acquisitions and underwriting to construction, design, capital raising, and asset management, we all have areas where we shine.
While we overlap many responsibilities, we also respect and lean into what Gay Hendricks from The Big Leap describes as our individual Zones of Genius. This alignment allows us to move faster, make smarter decisions, and divide our workload in a way that feels natural and productive. In fast-paced investing, synergy matters — and our ability to operate as a cohesive unit has given us a significant advantage.
Why we embraced remote investing – and why you should consider it
Many new investors feel limited by geography, but we took the opposite approach. While Mike and I live in California and Gaelynn and Simms live in Hawaii, our PadSplits are located in Texas, Georgia, and Arizona. Distance didn’t slow us down; it actually made us more intentional.
Remote investing works beautifully when you have the right systems and local partnerships in place. Over time, we developed processes that allow us to assess properties remotely, analyze deals quickly, and move renovation projects forward the moment we close. Our ability to invest remotely opened up a world of opportunity — and allowed us to scale in markets where strong cash-flowing properties are abundant.
Why focusing on one market at a time drives faster growth
A common mistake we see among new operators is trying to expand everywhere at once as they chase various deals. One PadSplit in one city, another across the country — and before long, their operational systems become scattered and inefficient.
We took a different approach. Instead of chasing deals across multiple states, we focused on building deep, strong roots in one market at a time. Once we solidified our team and processes in a market — typically after establishing five or six PadSplits — we would consider expanding to the next.
The first step in each new market was always securing the right realtor &/or wholesaler. By training them on exactly what we’re looking for, they became an extension of our team, able to evaluate properties on our behalf and alert us to opportunities quickly. The next crucial hire was a reliable, investor-friendly general contractor. From there, we added maintenance, housekeeping, and landscaping to round out our support system. Our bookkeeper is another essential team member, though does not need to be local to a particular market, and plays a key role in the ability to scale.
Once a market is dialed in, everything becomes easier: acquisitions, renovations, management, and growth. Scaling becomes a process, not a scramble.
Leveraging partnerships to expand faster
One of the most powerful accelerators in our journey has been partnering with other investors who want to be part of the PadSplit model but may not have the time, expertise, or desire to manage the full process themselves. These partnerships have allowed us to scale quickly while creating shared value for everyone involved.
In these arrangements, investors can bring capital to the deal and become co-owners, while we handle the acquisition, renovation, and operations. The end result is truly a win-win-win: our partners gain access to strong, cash-flowing investments; PadSplit residents receive quality housing options that are clean, secure, and inviting; and we expand our portfolio while generating returns that exceed traditional rental strategies.
The importance of community: Networking with other operators
One of the greatest joys of being part of the PadSplit ecosystem is the collaborative nature of the community. Some real estate investing niches can be secretive or competitive, but PadSplit operators tend to share ideas, discuss challenges, and lift each other up.
By engaging with other hosts across the country, we’ve gained new perspectives, solutions to common problems, and friendships that continue to enrich our work. With demand for affordable CoLiving rising rapidly, there is more than enough opportunity to go around — and sharing knowledge only strengthens the entire movement.
Profit meets purpose – the heart of our mission
While PadSplit offers incredible financial rewards, the impact we create has been equally meaningful. Every new property we launch opens doors — literally and figuratively — for people who need secure, affordable housing options. The messages we receive from members who feel relieved, hopeful, or grateful remind us that we’re not just building a business; we’re improving lives.
This blend of profit and purpose keeps us motivated. It fuels our ambition. And it gives us deeper clarity about why we do what we do.
Final thoughts: The future of PadSplit is bright
With demand for affordable coliving continuing to grow, there has never been a better time to enter the PadSplit space. Whether you’re looking to expand your existing portfolio or launch your first property, the opportunity is extraordinary — and the path forward is clearer than ever.
Our hope is that sharing our story and insights will inspire and empower you to grow faster, smarter, and with greater impact. If we can scale quickly, you can too. The deals and opportunities are out there! The combination of the right coaching, the right team, the right systems, and the right mindset can transform your trajectory.
The future of PadSplit is bright — and there’s never been a better moment to step in and build something extraordinary.
