5 comments about Retire Rich With Your Self-Directed IRA: What Your Broker & Banker Don't Want You to Know About Managing Your Own Retirement Investments.

1. I purchased this book because I felt nervous having all of my retirement money tied up in the stock market. I knew that other options were available. This book explores those options and alerts you to the pitfalls that await you if you are not careful planning and implementing your strategy.



2. Written simply, easy to understand, after 3 other books, this is the one! Just do it! You can buy and sell real estate, etc and put the profit back in and not pay taxes - follow the rules!
   You can do it!



3. One of the main goals of author Nora Peterson, in the publishing of this book, was to share information in an easily understood format to increase the awareness of the multiple options available to retirees and future retirees when considering how to invest and protect hard-earned money accumulated over a lifetime.
   
   The book addresses a wide range of critical aspects to be considered when planning for a long-term retirement. It touches upon subjects we have heard about, some that we haven't, and yet others that should be considered when planning for our future and those of our heirs.
   
   Taking control of our financial future
   * Movement of retirement funds into a self-directed IRA
   * Understanding the roles and responsibilities of an IRA custodian, trustee, and administrator
   * Creating a team of professionals to maximize income-producing opportunities while effectively managing risks - especially as it pertains to unnecessary tax penalties which can and should be avoided
   
   Non-Traditional IRA investment options
   * Real Estate
   * Purchase and sale of mortgage notes
   * Owning a business within an IRA or participating in a business partnership
   * Buying precious metals
   
   Managing distributions from our IRA
   * Circumstances permitting withdrawals prior to age 59½ without paying a 10% tax penalty for early withdrawal
   * Withdrawals to pay for health insurance when unemployed, without incurring a tax penalty
   * Withdraw $10,00 to purchase a first home for a child, grandchild, or parent without penalty
   
   Asset Protection and Stretching Your IRA
   * Designation of a single beneficiary; and
   * Designation of multiple beneficiaries to minimize tax risks
   
   Getting to the "point" according to Nora Peterson:
   
   "The point is getting through this life with the maximum comfort and security you can arrange and ending up with at least a little left over when you're finished."
   
   That is our intended goal, isn't it?



4. Just OK.... strong on recommending you do it, not as strong on helping you set it up.



5. Now that I'm (hopefully) 5 years away from retirement, I felt it was time to start doing some serious studying about my investments, tax options, and so on. I've read some great books, but this one was just a little much.
   
   The book is full of wonderful information, but it seems to be geared toward people who want to spend quite a bit of time managing their investments and want to get into what I consider more "exotic" investments. Using your IRA to purchase investment real estate, buying groups of mortgages, and various other investments beyond stocks, bonds, and cash are covered. If you are interested in those types of investments then this would be a great book for you, but if you want to keep it fairly simple then there are better books to turn to for advice.

5 comments about Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur: What It Takes to Win in High-Stakes Commercial Real Estate.

1. This is the best commercial real estate primer I have ever read. I run a commercial real estate brokerage and this is required reading for all of my agents. I highly recommend it.



2. If you are looking for a step by step buy a house, rehab it, and get rich, please find another book. If you are looking for a dull textbook type presentation you should also pass.
   
   If you are looking for clear explanations of concepts and illustrated with some small case studies to kick start your brain, then this might be just the thing to get you from dreaming to doing.
   
   Although I knew almost all the concepts presented, this book made them much more concrete. I have already begun the process of actually doing instead of sitting on my butt thinking about doing!
   
   Thank You!!



3. Finally a book for someone in the NE to read and understand NE real estate numbers, both insightful and inspirational.



4. This book is absolutely excellent. Jim's writing is straightforward and easy to understand even when he is discussing fairly complex ideas. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in any aspect of commercial Real Estate!



5. Jim Randel shares his 30+ years of real estate experience in this outstanding book. You might not know that he leased Bed, Bath and Beyond space in one of his buildings and they tried to hire him to expand nationwide. He turned down the job. Also, he leased Martha Stewart her first store in the 1980s in Westport, CT. He has closed more than 5,000 transactions as an attorney and is one of the brightest real estate investors in the country. His self-deprecating writing style is refreshing. He once made almost $1,000,000 for an hour long meeting that resulted in a 50/50 split of a brokerage commission. You'll learn more about these stories and much more in "Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur".
   
   You simply must buy this book!

5 comments about The Millionaire Real Estate Investor.

1. This book is a look at a well developed process from front to back on how to flip houses. It is obviously written by those who have done it over and over. While we have yet to put it to use we are looking forward to doing so but realize we will need to fit it to our own region. The book was obviously written for a more metropolitan area than we live in. While I am sure that we will be able to apply many things the networking and searching etc will definitely be different for those of us who live in rural areas. Since we built our own home and have been in on the building and renovations of quite a few others we are knowledgeable enough to realize that the book has lots of good pointers on the actual process of fixing the house up. The book is definitely worth the price.



2. This book is a little long, but I appreciated its content. It makes sense, works hard to communicate a way of thought, not just a system, and pretty straight-forward.
   
   It could have probably been trimmed to 2/3 of what it is, but it's still a good read.



3. I didn't quite complete this book. Mainly because I have seen or read about many of the strategies in other books or seminars. But I consider this to be a fairly comprehensive guide to investing in real estate.
   Chris George
   303.478.5501



4. I Ordered this book from Amazon on April 10, 2008. It is June 26 as I write. I never received this item! I wrote to Amazon twice,but never received a responce. They are great at selling, but very poor when problems arise. I will never purchase anything from them again.
   Good luck



5. Book is in a very good condition and more than what I expected it to be. Paid a reasonable price and shipping. Shipping was fast. Book is very good for beginner investor to get there and do the job. Very well organized contents and a Great Read!

5 comments about Investing in Real Estate, 5th Edition.

1. This book is the best book on the subject of real estate investing. I encourage anyone with an intrest in real estate investing to pick this book up. This book is in its fifth edition because the information within every edition is simply the best, most well-written, complete, and up-to-date information in text ever. It helps also, to note that the authors have Phd's from prestigious universities. They teach at some of the most elite learning institutions around, write editorials and articles for newspapers and magazines (including the Wall Strreet Journal), and also work with Donald Trump himself. I think success like that speaks for itself-how many real estate "gurus" can say that?? Not many!! This book will definitely not disappoint and can by itself, lead you on a path to great success AND wealth in the world of real estate investing.



2. This is a practical guide to the various avenues and pitfalls in investing in real estate. At the prices used, you can't go wrong to pick one up.



3. Having read a number of different real estate investing books, I am happy to report that this one is definitely above average. The author does make an effort to cover many facets (though perhaps too many?) of real estate investing. If you are looking for an introduction to real estate investing in general, this is a good place to start. If, on the other hand, you are looking for something new or different, you may want to look elsewhere. This book does a good job of hitting the basics, but it's broad coverage means that at times it is lacking in detail.



4. Having read the third edition of this same book, which was very good, I found this to be a more detailed and thorough revision. The way in which the information is portrayed guides the reader through the steps of investing and how to not only succeed, but to protect themselves from the failures that many novice and seasoned real estate investors fall victims to. If you want to know about investing in Real Estate, this is the book for you.



5. If you are just beginning in RE investing you must get this book. It goes over all of the different types of RE investing. This book is a must have for Real Estate investors.

5 comments about FLIP: How to Find, Fix, and Sell Houses for Profit.

1. Good read for a beginning real estate flipper.
   
   Goes over the art of the flip from start to finish and highlights the dangers of under-estimating budgets, over estimating sales prices and projected profits.
   
   The book also exposes why all the fancy-shmancy popular tv shows dedicated to flipping are not accurately portraying the costs involved involved in the "flip." for example SARA bought the house for 100,000 , put $30,000 of work into it and sold it for $160,000 leaving her a profit of $30,000 =) ... Yeah right, minus all the soft "quiet" costs and your $30,000 suddenly becomes $30.00
   
   To the beginning real estate investor, this is a great book to start with.
   To the seasoned real estate investor, you can probably just skim through it.
   
   I guess i am in the minority according in that i did not like the writing style of the author involving the broken story line was broken up and inserted into various chapters. I found it rather unnecessary.



2. I am reviewing this book as someone who has flipped a few properties over the last several years. I have had (3) minor successes and (1) big flop, learing various lessons along the way. I found this book to be a comprehensive and enlightining read! I wish I had this book years ago (I believe I would have done much better). The authors have covered every area of the flip including the pitfalls that turn a flip into a flop! There are several things that make this book a must have resource: the detailed step-by-step construction plan (doing projects out of order can kill your margin), the book also provides a comprehensive cost analysis (including several things that most investors miss). These numbers are presented in an an easy to compute formula that, in the end, tell you exactly what to offer for the propery on the front-end of the deal. This is truly a must have book if you are interested in flipping!



3. This is the best book on the subject that I have read. Unlike other books on the same subject, this book actually shows you how to do it. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of entering the business. It is a must have.



4. I'm just getting started in the FLIPping business, but I know one thing for sure: this is one of the very best books I've ever read, on any subject. The text is extremely clear, with very specific examples, tables & charts, and even online tools. It's head and shoulders above any of the other books I've read on the subject.
   
   I'm a retired physician, so trust me...I'm a doctor! LOL!



5. I actually borrowed this book from the library and decided to buy it because I wanted to highlight and circle different parts for easy reference. Definitely a good buy and comes w/ great spreadsheets and checklists when looking through possible flips.
   
   Happy Flipping!

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Locating, Negotiating, and Buying Real Estate Foreclosures: What Smart Investors Need to Know - Explained Simply.

1. The Complete Guide to Locating, Negotiating, and Buying Real Estate Foreclosures: What Smart Investors Need to Know - Explained Simply is the best explanation I have read for buying foreclosures in a long time. It starts off in plain English, crunches the numbers for anyone not sure if they can afford it and then gets straight into the how to. While I didn't take the author's advice of skipping around it is entirely possible to skip around chapters, reading what's most interesting first, before coming back thanks to the simply way everything is explained inside. Whether a first time buyer or a long time investor I think anyone would benefit from reading this book.



2. Frankie and Marsha have truly put together a user friendly guide that examines the foreclosure process. For anyone looking to purchase a home or invest in the foreclosure market, this book is truly a gem. The book aims at helping investors take advantage of the foreclosure market. They point out the potential pitfalls and abundant gain that a foreclosure can bring investors.
   Homeowners would also benefit from reading this book. The book provides an insiders look at how the foreclosure process works and the way that investors can potentially save them before a foreclosure occurs. The best defense against foreclosure is knowing the tricks of the trade.
   The book is user friendly and well organized. Not to mention part of the proceeds are donated to a worthy charity.



3. Real estate investors can amass a fortune by purchasing foreclosed homes at various foreclosure auctions, and this guide is the resource novices and pros will find an outstanding key to locating such bargains. From auctions and online processes to making it easy for bargains to come your way, THE COMPLETE GUIDE is a survey investors will find easy to begin with, making it the perfect item of choice for public libraries.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



4. If you hesitated about getting into real estate investing during the real estate housing boom, the new boom - the one in foreclosures - may be your chance to build wealth by buying forclosed real estate.
   
   This book is not for everyone. As a licensed real estate agent for eight years, I have seen people try to get rich quick using various schemes they have heard about on television or read about in books - with little success. This method is no fly-by-night strategy and not everyone who would be able to invest successfully. Investors need - at the very least - good credit, some ready cash and a willingness to work hard and stick to the plan.
   
   Those who are able to take advantage of the foreclosure niche in the current buyer's market can create for themselves a life making income as a real estate investor.
   
   The authors wrote this book for the brand-new investor, including not only basic information on how to choose and invest in foreclosures, but current information on where and how to find and choose foreclosure properties, current real- estate and foreclosure laws from state-to-state and detailed information on what to expect during every step of the process. The are even chapters on how to rent your new property, if you choose to do so.
   
   While this book is primarily for investors, buyers looking for a home of their own will find this book filled with useful information. Foreclosed homes can be found at bargain prices and home buyers can use these same procedures to find the home of their dreams. Too many buyers, frightened by the headlines, are not taking advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime buyer's market to buy their own home.
   
   Investors will also find the real estate dictionary and extensive list of references extremely helpful if they plan (and they should) to continue to learn about investing as the foreclosure market changes.
   
   The authors do not pretend that making money by buying and selling or renting-out foreclosures is easy and they caution that in real estate investing, money can be made, or it can be lost. That attitude is what makes this book superior to most. If your plan is to buy foreclosed homes with no money down, no assets and no risk, then look somewhere else - an good luck to you. But, if you are looking for a levelheaded approach to real estate investing in the current market, this approach is a winner.



5. In digging into this book, the author continually quoted other books. That annoyed me quite a bit and kept me asking, "Why didn't I buy the other book?" If you're starting off at "ground zero" and know nothing about mortgages, etc. this book is a helpful guide. It also contains concise explanations of different types of "legalese" and gives you places to look. Overall, a good place to start.

5 comments about Trump: The Art of the Deal.

1. The fact that this book was written years ago makes it more valuable to someone who's looking for a good business book. Trump has developed his brand in an amazing way utilizing his abbility to relate to people. That way is making deals. Definetly a great book that teaches you one of the most important lessons to learn in business: how to make deals.



2. Great book!!! I purchased this book because it was a best seller. Glad I did, it was before all the drama with his wives and near declaration of bankcruptcy. It explains his roots to his rise as one of the wealthiest land owners. Great read, hard to put down.



3. Wow, The Donald has no real wig on this cover! Actually, this book is quite different from his later books. Here he gets into detail much more often and gives you better insight into the rise of his career (his fall and second rise came after this book).
   
   In this book you'll get the examples about Trump that made him rise. He was as bold then as he is now. Only difference was he had less money, but it'll make you realize that if you want to be succesful in the future you have to act succesful in the present.
   
   All the casino's and buildings he built early on in his career are mentioned in the book and the details about the deals are fun to read. Just consider this is a one-sided story, but the examples fit their goal.
   
   This book is like The Donald without a wig: strange, but fun to see.



4. This is a excellent wealth of information and insight in Mr. Trump's life and business dealings of his early years. Learned he is a very good man. It is as intended very inspiring. Made me fill like I needed to go out and build sky scrapers as well, witch after reading this book now believe we all do in ways that fit each of us. Recomend reading his following book next Trump: The Art of the Comeback for more clairity.



5. The Art of the deal is the only book written by Trump that I recommend; however, I rate this as one of the finest autobiographies I have read.
   
   The Art of the Deal takes you behind the scenes and into the thoughts of one of the great deal makers of our time. Donald jumps right in with a detailed daily account of his business dealings for an entire week offering a genuine feel for the life of high society and big-time business decisions. He goes on to discuss his childhood and the brilliance of his self made father whose millions enabled Donald to jump start his own career in Manhattan.
   
   Donald spends the bulk of his book discussing in detail his triumphs in Manhattan; from starting as unknown developer to gaining celebrity status as an entrepreneur. He outlines his often unpopular decisions such as filling half of one of his buildings with the homeless while waiting for tenants to give up their leases. He also outlines his knack for efficiency by taking over the construction of the Wollman Rink from the city and finishing the project in far less time and for reduced costs. Donald further discusses his entrance into the casino industry in New Jersey as well as his plans to build the world's tallest building on the west side and court NBC as its main tenant (something that obviously did not come to fruition). Perhaps this book is at its best in its discussion of Trump Tower, Donald's largest love and possibly most significant investment having been profitable even before completion of construction.
   
   Since the time when he finished the book, Donald's life has taken numerous turns many of which fall outside of real estate development. The Art of the Deal at its core is all about his real estate empire. Donald gives off none of the arrogance that he is often associated with, the only exception being in his aggressive approach to business. If you enjoy the real estate industry and want to hear from one of its great tycoons, The Art of the Deal is essential reading.

No comments about Rich Dad's Advisors: The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing: How to Identify the Hottest Markets and Secure the Best Deals (Rich Dad's Advisors).

5 comments about Flipping Houses For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. This book was very helpful with a house flipping presentation that I had to do.



2. I have not finished the book yet, but so far it is an easy read. I would reccomend it.



3. One reviewer, who is a realtor, wrote that this book was the greatest ever. It's not, but it is a good book worth owning. Particularily explaining the things to look for when inspecting the property, rehabbing, developing your farm area, and selling your flip. I did learn several things.
   
   There are several things that I'd never recommend that the author expouses and eventually a reader after years of flipping experience will learn. One example is using realtors on the acquiring end. Maybe that's why the reviewer labeled the book the greatest ever. That said the advice given overall is probably good for the novice flipper. No book can keep you from losing money, and realize that most first-time flippers either lose money or make so little that the endeavor was not worth their time of investment. If you don't believe me, just watch the TV shows on flipping. Just understand that they are better ways to find and buy properties, and eventually you'll learn them if you invest in real estate long enough. The advice not to go FSBO is very wise, and I'm not a realtor.



4. This book covers absolutely EVERYTHING involved in flipping houses. It doesn't leave one topic out. It even talks about all the negatives. Topics are covered very well, even has a cheat sheet to take with you!



5. I bought this book for my boyfriend, who knows/knew nothing about flipping, but has a strong interest in learning about the business. He raved about the book! Said it was easy to read and that he learned a lot, he is now on to reading a more advanced book on the topic.

5 comments about The Wall Street Journal. Complete Real-Estate Investing Guidebook.

1. Having read a dozen or so other real-estate investment books, over the course of a few years, I have to say this well-written, direct book is hands down the best and most helpful overall guide out there in terms of how to get in and what to expect, in property investing. The book is well deserving of the Wall Street Journal branding.
   
   Newbies to real estate investing will find the book clear and accesible; easy to read and understand - with lots of insight on where to go find more info. about any particular topic mentioned which might interest you. Those with a bit more experience in real estate, will perhaps find the read more akin to an honest conversation with a peer / expert / consultant on the subject. The style is fresh and crisp. The author is doing us all a service organizing and putting his thoughts and experiences forth so clearly. Thank you, Mr. Crook.



2. This book was great. If you want a easy guide on how to really make money in the market than this is your guide.



3. This book has a lot of very good points and ideas, but it won't be the last book you'll need. This book does offer a very handy list of websites and other suggested readings in the appendix. Overall, a solid book, but you will need to do more research for many real estate concepts.



4. First of all, this book is remarkable for being totally devoid of B.S.
   How often can you say that about a book on any topic? Seems like a good jumping off point for a potential investor like myself. It's very broad and very basic. Mr. Crook employs a refreshing blend of encouragement and realism with an emphasis on discipline and preparedness.
   While his approach rings true, I have a minor issue with his criticism of people with nice cars, boats, mansions, etc. as I believe there could be a season in life to enjoy those things responsibly if one so chooses. Besides this small bit of moral snobbery this was the perfect read for someone in my position.



5. This is a good book with a unique point of view. It covers a very broad range of topics including financing, commercial, and others. The book offers some good advice. I did find it a little dry and drawn out at times. Regardless, a good source of practical information to round out your real estate studies. This book doesn't focus on this point and time in real estate but more of a timeless strategy.