Want to learn, what to read?

Question

I have come to the realization that most people prefer simply reading books for beginners rather than taking courses. Those people who have strong opinions about the matter, what books have you read that make you believe this is the right option.

What are the best books that you have found on real estate investing?

Robert Mack · Answer

I'd say, pick the topic you want to learn about first, then go to the forums here and read all the posts (not just the first page of threads).  Lots of free information on BP and you can also seek out the posters for follow up questions.  
It's like having 100 Real Estate professors at your fingertips.

Daniel Stewart · Answer

I recommend:
            
            "Real Estate Investing for Dummies" - Good "general purpose" book to give you a brief insight into the market.
            
            Use it to decide where you want to go, then find books on that particular subject.
            
            If you haven't already, I highly suggest you look into other books regarding managing your personal finances. If you can't manage your own day to day finances properly, you will NEVER be successful. If you manage 10 dollars haphazardly, you will not ever be able to manage 10 million dollars.

Account Closed · Answer

carlton sheets "no down payment" was a pretty good read and really got my wheels spinning. ron legrand also has some good stuff in reguards to creative financing.

Frederic Petit · Answer

A very good book for me that help me a few years ago to understand the business and how NOT to get ripped off is a book about financial calculations for real estate investors : What every real estate investor needs to know about cash flow by Frank Gallinelli.
                        
                        In this business, if there is no cash flow, there is no money coming in until you resell.

Rick Shepard · Answer

I like Ron Legrands book. Good nuts and bolts stuff written in a straightforward, every-man kind of way.

Jeffrey K. · Answer

Read Rich Dad if you want, it is somewhat inspirational and has some decent charts.  Stay away from his other books.  He has established a franchise business at this point and has moved away from real education.  He uses third party authors to pump out as many books and he can with his branding on them.  They are not terribly well written and often do not give specifics.  Go to amazon and read the reviews of books and spend a few hundred dollars there.  This is a far better investment than any course costing the same.  You can also get preowned or overstock books at a much cheaper price as an option on amazon.  This allows you to get much more bang for your buck.  Off to look at an REO.  Good luck.

Ben Grover · Answer

Think and Grow Rich is a must read. Robert Kiyosaki has a lot of great books on real estate- Rich Dad Poor Dad, Real Estate Riches, ABC's of Real Estate, and more are all great books by Robert. check them out for sure

Tyler Carpenter · Answer

If you need motivation, one of the best books I have read was Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill. I also bought the Law of Success by Napaolean Hill as well. A good finance book is The truth about money by ric edelman. And Rich Dad Poor Dad was a good book that help get me motivated.

Even though some people on this forum have mixed reviews, I thought Weekend Millionaire on Investing in Real Estate was a good first time book to help you become somewhat thinking in the right frame of mind.

Other than that, I have learned more from this site than any book out there.

Good luck:

Nick J. · Answer

I can't disagree with any of the responses here Kurt.
'Rich Dad Poor Dad' has always been a great book although not a step by step book, which I actually believe is hard to find considering the ever changing aspect of investing. I also truly enjoy reading 'Think & Grow Rich'.....although not a 'real estate' book it's a great mindset book.....But again, just simply agreeing with the other guys here I would absolutely read up on improving personal finances.

Anthony E Russell · Answer

Kurt,

I agree with Robert. There are some amazing people on this forum who give of themselves, selflessly.

I also agree with Daniel and Rei. Managing your own "books" properly is the mark of a truly evolved financial mind -- something I learned the hard way.

Having said that, I highly recommend 'Creating and Growing Real Estate Wealth: The Four Stages to a Lifetime of Success' by William J. Poorvu. Poorvu, an investor and former head of the Real Estate program at Harvard, provides case studies of different investors across various sectors of the industry. A wonderful and informative read. Also, BP's own Mike Oh has a book on real estate investment. I haven't read it, yet, but have heard good things about it.

Good Luck and all the best,
Anthony E. Russell

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