Charles Rosano on Building 30–40% Return Co-Living Properties, AI-Driven Operations, and Solving the Affordable Housing Crisis at Scale

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Charles Rossano, Co-Founder and CEO of Cohaven Capital, shares how he’s scaling a high-performing co-living model that delivers both impact and returns. With a background in building and exiting multiple companies, Charles brings an operational mindset to real estate—turning outdated single-family homes into high-density co-living spaces with 90%+ occupancy and 30–40% total returns.

He breaks down how Cohaven is using AI, systems, and disciplined execution to solve one of America’s biggest problems: affordable housing for working professionals.

Key Points Discussed

• The Co-Living Model Explained: Charles outlines how converting a three-bedroom home into eight or more private rooms can double or triple rental income while providing high-quality, affordable housing for tenants.
• Operational Excellence as a Moat: Drawing from his experience scaling companies, Charles shares how Cohaven built standard operating procedures, local field teams, and an AI-driven system (“Maximus”) to manage maintenance, tenant screening, and leasing.
• Scaling Beyond the 5-Property Ceiling: Many co-living operators stall after a few homes. Charles explains how his team overcame the operational bottlenecks that prevent most from growing.
• Social Impact with Strong Returns: Cohaven focuses on renters earning $15–$35 an hour—offering community-driven, cost-effective housing that’s half the price of comparable studios while still achieving 15–20% cash-on-cash returns.
• The Future of Co-Living: Charles discusses his goal to scale to 700+ units per year through single-family conversions, small multifamily projects, and new ground-up developments in partnership with municipalities and nonprofits.

Guest Information

• Name: Charles Rossano
• Role: Co-Founder & CEO, Cohaven Capital
• LinkedIn: Charles Rossano
• Website: Cohaven Capital

Conclusion

Charles Rossano’s story is a masterclass in how disciplined operations, technology, and purpose-driven investing can reshape housing in America. His approach to co-living proves that real estate can be both profitable and deeply impactful—creating homes that generate community, stability, and long-term value for investors and residents alike.

Connect with Charles on LinkedIn to learn more about Cohaven Capital’s co-living model and their mission to redefine affordable housing.