10 Books That Will Make You Think About Real Estate Investing in a Different Way
The Internet is a great resource for learning more about the ins and outs of real estate investing but sometimes you need more information than a 500-word blog post or a 15-minute podcast can offer.
Picking up some books on real estate investing is one way to take a deeper dive but with thousands of titles to choose from, you may not know where to start.
To help you pare down your reading list, here are some of the most interesting reads in the real estate investing genre I came across over the years. They are ranked in no particular orders.
The ABC’s of Real Estate Investing: The Secrets of Finding Hidden Profits Most Investors Miss – By Ken McElroy
Ken McElroy’s book on real estate investing reads like a how-to guide for new investors and it’s a good place to start for learning the fundamentals. It’s designed for serious investors and someone who already considers themselves to be a property pro may be surprised at the insights it offers.
The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing – By Spencer Strauss & Martin Stone
The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing has been around for a while but it’s still a worthy read for investors who need a blueprint for things like shaping their investment plan or buying their first property. It’s suited towards beginners who are interested in building their portfolio one property at a time without a huge investment.
BiggerPockets Presents: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Real Estate Investing – By Joshua Dorkin & Brandon Turner
BiggerPockets has established itself as an authority site among real estate investors and professionals and this book was created for new investors who need a nudge on where to begin. It covers things like choosing your investment niche and financing and best of all, it’s free to download.
How to Be a Real Estate Investor - by Phil Pustejovsky
Phil Pustejovsky is a real estate mentor and coach and his book, How to Be a Real Estate Investor, is a straightforward thesis on the principles of real estate investing. It walks you through how to become a real estate investor, regardless of how much money you have, your experience or your credit rating.
Commercial Real Estate for Beginners: The Basics of Commercial Real Estate Investing – by Peter Harris
Investing in commercial real estate isn’t the same as flipping houses or landlording. Peter Harris, who also wrote Commercial Real Estate Investing for Dummies, discusses the pros and cons of becoming a commercial real estate investor and its guiding principles.
Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur: What It Takes to Win in the High-Stakes Commercial Real Estate – By James A. Randel
James Randel has 25 years’ worth of real estate investing experience under his belt and he’s become adept at making a profit from commercial properties. His book goes beyond the basics of commercial investing and examines more complex concepts using the author’s unique wit and humor.
The Due Diligence Handbook for Commercial Real Estate: A Proven System to Save Time, Money, Headaches and Create Value When Buying Commercial Real Estate – By Brian Hennessey
When it comes to investing there’s no room for error and for Brian Hennessey, understanding the rules of due diligence can eliminate some of the most common mistakes investors make. This book outlines how to conduct due diligence properly when you’re investing in commercial real estate.
Making Big Money Investing in Real Estate: Without Tenants, Banks or Rehab Projects – By Peter Conti & David Finkel
Peter Conti and David Finkel want you to know that besides investing in flips or rentals, there’s another potential way to make money in real estate. Their book lays out the basics of purchase option investing and they explain exactly what to do and how to do it to be successful.
BiggerPockets Presents: The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor – By Amanda Han and Matthew MacFarland
Taxes can take a big bite out of your real estate investment profits but if you’re running a real estate business, it’s something you can’t avoid. Authors Amanda Han and Matthew MacFarland serve up easy-to-understand tips and tricks for minimizing the tax bill on your property investments.
Chris McLaughlin’s Smart Guide to Real Estate Investing – By Chris McLaughlin
Chris McLaughlin is a seasoned real estate investor whose company does over $1 billion in real estate transactions each year. Here, he provides a comprehensive look at how to invest in real estate so you can achieve your financial goals.
On a final note, individual real estate investing entails a certain amount of risk and investment results aren’t guaranteed. From the books to actions, you need to carefully evaluate your options.
