real estate LIBRARY: which books did you read to prepare?

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real estate LIBRARY: which books did you read to prepare?

Edita D.
Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2012 · 309 posts · 18 votes

Hey guys,
please, share the books you went though to prepare yourself to be in real estate business.
Here are my books:

1. Rich Dad's Cashflow quadrant and Guide to investing by Robert Kiyosaki
2. Buy it, rent it, profit! by Bryan Chavis
3.Managing rental properties for maximum profit by Greg Perry
4.Every landlord's property protection guide by attorney Ron Leshnower (nolo publication)
5. Profits in buying and renovating homes by Lawrence Dorwin

And myriad books on emotional intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Dale Carnegie, etc to deal with the part of how to conduct yourself in the business world

What's in your library?

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Paul M.
Medford, MA · Member since 2012 · 163 posts · 36 votes
14y

I'm always surprised that people will read many general real estate investing/legal/finance books, but no books on construction/maintenance/renovation skills. And also little of that is covered in those general books. In the real world, that knowledge can be at least 50% of the success of a project.

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  • James Vermillion
    Lexington, KY · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    14y

    I can honestly say I do not own any real estate books...however, I own and have read many books that I consider helpful to my investing and business practices:

    1) How to Win Friends and Influence People
    2) The Millionaire Mind

    Various macro economics books (which I have been recently reading), various investing books such as "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham.

    As far as real estate specific information, I can honestly say that I learned more from BP than any other source. I also received a background while becoming licensed and took several free online courses from multiple universities.

    I do recall picking up a few books from the library when I got started in real estate investing but never finished any of them (I am sure there are some great ones out there that I never picked up).

    If you do a quick forum search for books you will find dozens of threads about real estate investing books.

    Cheers!

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  • Gary Parker
    Real Estate Professional · Salt Lake City, UT · Member since 2010 · 608 posts · 163 votes
    14y

    Check out books by Bob Burg and I really enjoyed "The Power Of Negotiating" by Jimmy Napier. The latter is an audio cd. It is pricey but I keep listening in an attempt to improve my negotiating skills.

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  • Don KonipolBusiness Member
    Investor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    14y

    The best book on basic small time real estate investment was written in 1959. William Nickerson's "How I turned $5000 into $5 million Investing In Real Estate in My Spare Time". Absolute classic!

    Private Mortgage Financing Partners, LLC
    WebsiteView Page
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  • Account Closed
    Landlord · Seattle, WA · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    14y

    I'm not much for motivational books though I have read some of Robert Kiyoski's books. I'm plenty motivated already.

    For me I look for solid references to put in my library.
    For anyone considering a land trust you might want to consider

    Lands Trusts for Privacy and Profit
    http://www.amazon.com/Land-Trusts-Privacy-Profit-third/dp/B004SARX08/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_2

    A good book on 1031 exchanges.
    The 1031 Tax Advantage for Real Estate Investors

    A good book on using your IRA or 401K to invest in RE
    How to Invest in Real Estate with your IRA & 401(k) & Pay Little or No Taxes

    There are many other good resources out there that can help you understand the due diligence process, help you with your negotiating skills, help in understanding real estate math and definitions.

    All depends on what you are looking for.

    1Reply
  • McKellar Newsom
    Real Estate Investor · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2009 · 191 posts · 47 votes
    14y

    I like Steve Berges' The Complete Guide to Real Estate Finance for Investment Properties: How to Analyze Any Single-Family, Multifamily or Commercial Property.

    The book is not an easy read but it helped me get a better handle on the numbers. mck

    2Reply
  • Monica Breckenridge
    Rental Property Investor · Colorado Springs, CO · Member since 2010 · 476 posts · 305 votes
    14y

    Here are my favorites:

    1. The Richest Man in Babylon
    2. How to Win Friends & Influence People
    3. The Power of your Subconscious Mind
    4. Building Wealth One House at a time
    5. Rich Dad Poor Dad
    6. Cashflow Quadrant
    7. Think and Grow Rich
    8. The Secret
    9. The Power
    10. The Magic
    11. The Power of Positive Thinking

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  • Paul M.
    Medford, MA · Member since 2012 · 163 posts · 36 votes
    14y

    I'm always surprised that people will read many general real estate investing/legal/finance books, but no books on construction/maintenance/renovation skills. And also little of that is covered in those general books. In the real world, that knowledge can be at least 50% of the success of a project.

    4Reply
  • Account Closed
    Landlord · Seattle, WA · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    14y

    I agree Paul Morgan. I have many books on construction & development in my library.

    Some books to consider:

    Means Residential Detailed Costs (An annual contractor pricing guide)

    Real Estate Developing Workbook and Manual by Howard Zuckerman

    Commercial real estate analysis and investments by David Geitner

    Real Estate Development Principles and Processes

    A good book on real estate law

    The Essentials of Real estate law for paralegals Text and student workbook

    A decent book on the closing process
    The Complete Guide to Your Real Estate Closing by Sandy Gadow

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  • Kenneth E.
    Davenport , IA · Member since 2011 · 213 posts · 265 votes
    13y

    Paul M. That is a good point. One book on repairs, which is outside of the mainstream, that I recommend is called, "The Creative Real Estate Investor's Notebook of 525 Rehab, Remodeling, Repair, and Maintenance Secrets."

    You can get it here:
    http://www.shop.reidepot.com/Wittenmyer/Notebook.html

    I got it last year and it has tons of money-saving ideas regarding repairs and maintenance ideas for landlords.

    Note: I am not affiliated with Mr. Wittenmeyer and am not making any sort of money by recommending his book.

    PS If you go to that link, you should also check out his other books--they are great!

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  • Marc Bodinger
    New York City, NY · Member since 2012 · 253 posts · 7 votes
    13y

    Does anyone know by chance if these books are available by download to a tablet? Any recommendations on apps for a smart device?

    Thanks!

    0Reply
  • Dave Van HornPro Member
    Fund Manager · Wayne, PA · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    13y

    In my opinion, the best books that I've come across are those by Peter Conti and David Finkel, especially:

    Buying Real Estate Without Cash or Credit by Peter Conti and David Finkel

    Making Big Money Investing in Real Estate: Without Tenants, Banks, or Rehab Projects by Peter Conti and David Finkel

    and

    Making Big Money Investing in Foreclosures: Without Cash or Credit by Peter Conti and David Finkel

    Not sure which part of the business you're looking to get into, but someone mentioned Jimmy Napier above, he also has a great book that introduces the idea of investing in debt appropriately called: Invest in Debt.

    Hope this helps,
    Dave

    Podcast Guest on Show #273
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  • Callum K.
    Rental Property Investor · Tulsa, OK · Member since 2012 · 291 posts · 102 votes
    13y

    Marc Bodinger I know you can download all the Rich Dad books on iTunes. I did that for a few of them when I was on a road trip last year.

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  • Gene HackerPro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Lake Isabella, CA · Member since 2011 · 969 posts · 488 votes
    13y

    I like inspirational/self help books are great and easy to read and get you amped up but I am always amazed how many people are out doing deals and signing contracts that could get them in trouble. I highly recommend the Nolo books on law. There is also a Real Estate law book that was the course text book for "real estate law", the class I took when going for my brokers licence. I have referenced all of these over the years and would feel lost without them. Then I have several bookshelves of "how to" in construction. I hire contractors or handymen to do everything but without a basic knowledge its hard to make sure they are doing you right. My favorite part of this business is negations so I a pretty good selection of books, tapes, etc...none stick out as being better than the rest but all have their time and place. I am a big fan of books. I don't really love reading per-say but take my continuing education seriously. I am self-disciplined to study and read so I choose books over seminars/boot-camps.

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  • Jason Shen
    Ocala, FL · Member since 2012 · 13 posts · 1 vote
    13y

    Investing in Fixer Uppers by Jay P. Decima and a book by kiyosaki was what got me started. My dad has had over 30 years owning and managing a motel so he knew the fixing and building repairing stuff pretty well, so we have enough knowledge to start makig great investments. I learn slowly about the structure of the properties from watching him.

    Only thing were missing is a ton of knowledge about the law, which wouldnt hurt much.

    0Reply
  • Edita D.
    OP
    Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2012 · 309 posts · 18 votes
    13y

    How about Nolo's Every Landlord's Tax Deduction Guide? I want to read this one (just ordered), should have some good info. Pretty good amazon.com reviews :)

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  • Sophia Waddington
    Albertville, MN · Member since 2012 · 1 post · 0 votes
    13y

    I like all the Rich Dad books!

    1. Rich Dad Poor Dad
    2. Cashflow Quadrant
    3. Think and Grow Rich
    4. The Secret
    5. The Power

    0Reply
  • Brian K.
    Rental Property Investor · Buffalo, MN · Member since 2010 · 511 posts · 92 votes
    13y

    The Millionaire Real Estate Investor and Landlording I've read a couple of times. I've gone to anything now that is on audio book to for time reasons. Most of the books metioned here are all great reads. Don't forget to pick the brains of some of the BP posters that have a lot of experience and are wiling to share it as well.

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  • Kathy Batesel
    Basehor, KS · Member since 2012 · 16 posts · 3 votes
    13y

    I liked Conti & Finkel's book, as well as the Rich Dad series. I've read a number of books on conducting home inspections, too.

    I know I read the Millionaire Real Estate Investor, but not sure what I read in it at this point.

    I feel like I need to read more on financials and tax law, though.

    0Reply
  • Waqar Ahmed
    Member since 2022 · 1 post · 0 votes
    4y
    Power of Negotiating by Jimmy Napier

    I'm looking for this one. Can anyone kindly share this if you have access. Thank you so much. 

    0Reply
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