Are the books offered on BP worth it?

Question

I am getting started with BP and it seems like they have pushed the two books- "The Book On Real Estate Flipping" and "The Book On Estimating Rehabbing Costs" repeatedly. I find this interesting as it is the only material for sale on the site.
Has anyone read these and have any advice as to whether or not I should invest in them? What other books would you recommend?
Thanks for the honest and unbiased feedback!

Alex Baev · Answer

Some people teach because they need to sell you something. Others, - because they want to tickle their inherent need to streamline their thoughts and systemize their processes. Having read most of J Scott’s personal blog and following his New Construction diary here on BP, I’m fairly certain he’s the latter.

Who needs crime dramas and cable TV when you have the original Dos Equis man right here – investor, husband, father, dog owner and poker player…

- He once had an awkward moment during a negotiation, just to see how it feels
- If he were to submit an offer without a price, it would still be accepted
- The house inspectors often question him just because they find him interesting
- He has won the BP Lifetime Achievement Award, twice

Now, in all seriousness, hold that thought and don’t change the price of those books!..

Paul Timmins · Answer

Erik

I also picked up both books excellent reads, I would give an unconditional recommendation for both books.

Remember we pay for our education one way or another.

Paul

Deborah Burian · Answer

Yes.  I've been investing and rehabbing for 11 years and still learn something every time I pick up the books.

J Scott · Answer

First, full disclosure -- I'm the guy who wrote the books.

Second, thank you to everyone for the kind words above.

Third, I don't recommend that anyone purchase any educational material (including these books) without spending at least several hours/days/weeks absorbing as much FREE material as possible, both here on BP and elsewhere.

It's very easy to get excited about real estate investing and want to leap in head-first by spending money on books and courses -- in fact, this is what many of the less scrupulous gurus want you to do.  They are relying on the impulsiveness of wannabe investors.  But, real estate investing should be just the opposite of impulsive.  It should be a journey.  In fact, for those who are successful at it, it's often a life-long pursuit.

There is plenty of time to buy books, courses, seminars, etc. AFTER learning the basics for free and determining if real estate is something you really want to pursue.  But before you do that, spend time reading through these forums, read the beginner's guide, read through the BP blogs, take a couple successful investors to lunch to pick their brains, etc.  In fact, go over to my blog (where I don't sell anything) and spend a couple hours/days reading about how I started investing.

Only after taking advantage of all the great free material on BP and elsewhere should anyone start to consider paying for educational material.  There's absolutely nothing wrong with books, courses, seminars, etc., AS LONG AS it's part of educational growth, and not just an impulse decision to spend money in hopes of getting rich quickly.

Dell Schlabach · Answer

As a fulltime rehabber who has spend 10-15k in boot camps, seminars andread dozens of books on real estate. I would highly recommend both books as an excellent investment.

I consider them the two best books on the market, if you are looking for solid practical advise on how to run a successful rehab business and how to determine costs.

I am currently training a project manager, we use the Book On Estimating Rehab Costs as out Referance Manual for training.

Couple other books that I liked, its been years since I read them, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Millionaire Real Estate Investor and The Shift. THey are more philosophic and inspirationial, and not as nuts and bolts of how to.

The other resource that has helped me tremendously in the past year as we are gearing up our rehab, is 123flip.com. Specifically the spreadsheets.

I don't know J.Scott and have never talked to him, so I have no vested interest, but don't mind giving a positive endorsement in the rare occasion, where something/someone delivers above and beyond expectation.

The best too you in you rehab adventure

Brendan J. · Answer

Erik, like most things in life, you will only get out of them what you put in (buy a gym membership but never go and you'll still be out of shape). If you're serious about wanting to learn this animal called REI, and you put the time in that's required, J's Books will absolutely pay dividends.

Like others have said, it seems like most books these days are either outdated or are really a gigantic written infomercial on why you should spend $1000 on their traveling sales pitch. J's is different, its an honest summery of how he and his wife have found ways to succeed in REI over the last 5 years. Highly recommend!!

Joe Delia · Answer

Despite flipping 6 houses and being a fulltime agent, I picked up J's books and it was money well spent.

Harry M. · Answer

Hey Erik,
I have both of J Scott's books on flipping, and I highly recommend them. Both books are full of practical real world information, as opposed to the 10% substance, 90% rah-rah-rah-you-can-do-it formula that you get with a lot of books on real estate investing.
-Harry

Larry Littrell · Answer

I don't feel BP is "pushing" anything but I recently purchased both books. For someone starting out they are a great summary of real world flipping and cost estimations. I have found them to be very easy reading and not overly technical. They kind of break things down step by step like I need as a newbie. Don't forget to read their free beginners guide it is great too. 
From all I've seen and the hundreds of posts and articles I have read BP is a very unique site in that they really don't try and sell you anything. You can do most stuff totally free. That said I will be upping my membership to PRO soon just because I want to support this incredible blog.
Dang I sound like a BP commercial lol!
Post in the intros and start jumping in on the conversations you can learn a ton here!

John Milliken · Answer

BUY BOTH OF THEM NOW!

Are the books offered on BP worth it?

Most Popular Reply