5 comments about Magic Bullets in Real Estate.

1. This is a quick read with many useful ideas. The best chapter is the one regarding 2 week fix ups. If you are new to real estate this would be a good starting point.



2. I have read quite a few real estate books lately like Renovate to Riches, 40 Days To Success In Real Estate Investing, and several of John T. Reed's books among others. This is one of the most comprehensive and easy to understand books I have read so far.The author provides an outline on how to get started and who to contact to assemble a real estate investment team. His chapter on selling your own house is dead on.



3. Great book!
   
   Detailed and informative.
   
   Written by a man who clearly wants to help people learn to improve their lives.
   
   EVERY man,woman and child should read and re-read ONCE PER YEAR:
   
   1) Think and Grow Rich;
   2) How to win friends and influence people;
   3) The Richest man in Babylon; AND
   
   if they want to pursue Real Estate Investing...
   
   4) Magic Bullets In Real estate!
   
   Every "self help" and "financial improvement" book, ever written. that is worth reading, is contained in the above books.
   
   Howard Spiva
   Attorney, Investor, Land Lord
   Savannah Georgia
   [...]



4. Having had lots of experience in real estate investing, lots of friends ask me "What's a good book to read on the subject?" I usually tell them to check out armloads of boo0ks from the library, as I did, as none covered the subject very fully or deeply, but each added something to your knowledge. This was never a good answer because you had to plow the same ground over and over.
   
   Magic Bullets in Real Estate became the real one-book answer. I was so impressed by it, that I have bought lots of them as gifts to people with whom I wished to share my enthusiasm for real estate investing. If I had the time and inclination to write a book on investing, this would be the one I would strive for. It confirms most of what I have learned of the subject and pulls it all into a workable perspective to guide me into the future. It is thoughtfully written so that few questions go unanswered. The author posesses a true flair for writing that few of the big "gurus" have mastered though, unfortunately, they get all the attention. His book is very upbeat and fun to read, and his grasp of clear communication eliminates the usual need to ponder what he meant to say.
   
   Although the title has no zing, this book is full of great ideas from cover to cover. It deserves far more attention in the investment world than it will probably ever get, so I suggest that anyone reading this, buy it, enjoy it, and recommend it to anyone who asks you "What's a good book to read on the subjest?"



5. Very well written book, loaded with good information on how you can actually invest in realestate. Got me from wishing and thinking about it, to actually doing it. Thank you!

No comments about The Book of Money.

5 comments about Secure Your Financial Future Investing in Real Estate.

1. If you only buy one real estate book in your life, make sure it is this one. Clear, concise, easy to follow. You cannot lose money buying this.

   This is not just a rich dad/poor dad book. This one works.




2. This book is wonderful. I'm a 31-yr-old computer programmer with a good income and lots of equity in a townhouse. I'm a reasonably good saver and make regular contributions to my 401k. Will this put me on the path to retirement riches? Not by a long shot, and this book clearly explains why in simple and plain language. This book makes too much common sense to refute. But fortunately its purpose is *not* to stir up doom and gloom.

   It's real purpose is to illustrate the riches to be made from the low-risk high-return world of long term real estate investing in income properties. The authors emphasize a long term investment plan, not the quick flipping pitched by so many marketing gurus. Through leverage we can turn a modest 5% property appreciation into a whopping 40%++ return on our money. How does that compare to 2% for your savings account, or 10% long term in the stock market? Throw in tax writeoffs, deferred capital gains, loan reduction and positive cashflow at the same time and I am hooked.

   This is a great eye-opening book for those new to real estate, and for those who their think social security and 401k will provide a secure retirement.




3. There are many positive things about this book that should be noted. First, it is presented in a way that is simple and easy to understand. Second, regardless of where the reader is in his/her life there are facts and suggestions that are thought provoking and appropriate to that stage of life. Finally, it's good to see in print ideas that some of us may have embraced, but never had validated by anyone other than friends.
   One of my childrren graduated from college last March, and the other should graduate this coming March. Because of the easy to read format, clear examples, and un-textbook like style, I plan on giving each of them a copy of this book - it will be "a great place to start" the next phase of their lives. With degrees in hand, it will be worthwhile for them to now get reality based instruction/information.



4. 'Secure your financial future investing in real estate' is a book that I recommend very highly. I have read over 25 books related directly to this topic and I have to tell you, I thought it was so good that I read it twice. I am what some would call an 'intermediate investor.' This book gave information that not only motivated me to do more with my real estate investments but how to aquire better and more properties so that I would have the future that I have always wanted. It is a more direct approach that gives you tools to go out and start the next day with the confidence that one would need in order to be a successful real estate investor. A more realistic approach aside from the other 'how to get rich' mentalities or the 'no money down' approach. It was an honest focus on not only the 'why' but the 'how' to get started and why you should not wait. If your intentions are to supplement your retirement with a few smart investments or develop a career in the real estate investing industry, this is the book for you. It covers the entire scope and lays the foundation for a profitable venture. The authors speak from experience and prove it by giving their personal email address that you can ask specific questions and get answers needed to succeed. It is like having a mentor at you finger tips and there is no way you could fail with support and advice like that. I strongly encourage anyone who is even thinking about the possibility of using real estate investments to achieve their goals and dreams. You + this book + a little desire = success!! Good luck!



5. This book is very helpful in figuring the proper way to look at profit potential in purchasing rental property. I also emailed the author Martin Stone asking some specific questions regarding particular types of properties and he was kind enough to respond with suggestions. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase his other book the unofficial guide to real estate investing.
   Thanks Marty.

No comments about Residential Real Estate Appraisal.

2 comments about The Wealth Builder's Blueprint.

1. The Wealth Builder's Blueprint is a terrific product, jam-packed with wealth creation tips, tactics and strategies from Donald Trump and his wealth creation team. If you're a Trump fan -- or if you like the television show "The Apprentice" -- you'll love this product. Trump's DVD lays out his tips on how to be successful, set the standard, never give up and create wealth. It's classic Trump: bold, pithy and entertaining. Dolf de Roos (real estate), Jeff Burrows (entrepreneurs), Les Hewitt and Dr. Stephanie Burns are also terrific on their CDs in this product. This would make a great gift for any Trump fan; it's well worth checking out.



2. This CD set is by far the best compilation of material amassed of how a business man should see the world. I was skeptical at the high price of admit ion and thought that maybe it would be another one of Trumps name dropping "I've done this," like his books. WOW I WAS DEAD WRONG. Trump assembled a group of the best specialist and had them speak on what they know best. Your end result is a masterpiece of knowledge on all subjects that are life changing and mindset changing. All I can say is that I was not disappointed at any moment and would have gladly paid 3x the price of admit ion! The information in this CD set is truly powerful, and a must have for anyone that wants to strengthen there business character.
   
   Only Con I have is that I wish I had found this CD set when it first came out a few years ago!

5 comments about Spark: Lending Your Way To Real Estate Millions.

1. I am a hard-working mother who strives to make the right decisions with my investments. Sometimes, the choices are overwhelming. Owning a home is no longer enough, and I have been looking for guidance in the real estate market.
   
   This book truly enlightened my decision making strategy. The authors brilliantly contradict old stereo-types, and notions of realestate as only long term, huge capital investments; and demonstrate the "orchestration" of the real estate market as highly profitable, initial, short-term investment, and achievable in small capital contributions.
   
   The authors also beautifully demonstrate that diversifying into the newly described type of real estate fund, (managed by experts), will benefit investors, developers, and everyone in our societies today, making this a win-win for all.



2. I had to re-read the other reviews of this book to see if I read the same book that they gave five stars . The book is too short, doesn't give out any information that you couldn't find in the first chapter of any decent real estate primer, and the over-all impression is that it is the result of a short interview with the authors who appear based on their credits to be qualified to give meaningful insights but in fact don't reveal anything. As a real estate professional and a person who has a number of real estate books in his library this book belongs in the round file at the end of my book shelf. I am glad I only wasted twelve dollars.
   
   Apparently they have coined a new term "orchestra funding" and are attempting to force it into the real estate lexicon. An exceptional disappointment in every sense of the word.



3. It has been decades since I've read anything so vacuous. It is a sales brochure trying to convince you to invest in their mutual funds. The authors started their careers in marketing/sales and this book cries for an editor to cut the sales schlok out. It seems that, in authors' minds, they thought if they'd replace the word "idea" with "spark", and "hard-money loan" with "orchestra loan", that it would be a big enough gimmick to sell a lot of books. Please help prove them wrong.
   
   This book bounces among three styles of writing:
   
   1. Kindergarten statements about real estate loans (lenders are knowledgeable in their local real estate arena; now, as in the future, loans will spark new office and resudential spaces).
   
   2. Side-bar filler with irrelevant facts (it took 467 concrete trucks to form the base of Seattle's Space Needle; the vagaries of war lead to periodic bursts of rebuilding projects).
   
   3. Ridiculous editorials (revolution brings about change, usually for the better; publications like Barron's and the WSJ provide a wealth of general information).
   
   Here is the actual substance of the book that I paid for and waded through all the sales nonsense for: "Steps to Success: This industry requires a phenomenal amount of research and diligence, not to mention real estate expertise. If you feel you have those qualities and talents, then by all means go for it." Yes, that's all of it. The authors teach nothing about how to become a hard-money lender in this book, nor do they offer any place to educate yourself further. Although the authors have impressive resumes, after reading their book, I no longer believe their claims of success.
   
   I highly recommend you do not purchase this book. But, if you insist on buying it, don't complain that you weren't warned.



4. Yes, it's brief. Yes, it's simple. Isn't that what you want? Personally, I don't value good information by the pound.
   This "little book" literally pulled my eyelids open to some exciting new opportunities, some that I've already taken advantage of.
   That's all it's it meant to do.
   If you're like "Reader (Colorado)" and you want to be spoon fed volumes of existing and outdated information about every possible facet of every possible outcome of every investment, then this isn't your book.
   If, on the other hand, you want to be way ahead of the curve and are open to very fresh and exiting new ideas and ways to really grow your money, then Spark is for you.
   My recommendation is that you give yourself a big gift from a little package. This book is a real idea stimulator, but only if you're a creative thinker and are open to new ideas and...you aren't Anonymous in Colorado.
   
   R. Woodcox
   Author



5. I've read hundreds of business books over the years and this is probably in my top 3 worst books of all time. I consider myself a fairly sophisticated real estate investor and this book gave me absolutely nothing.
   
   Not worth anyones' time to read. Take a pass on this book

3 comments about All About Real Estate Investing: The Easy Way to Get Started.

1. I've read the 2001 edition, and I must say the title is rather misleading. (1) The coverage is not complete by any means. It focuses on rental houses, apartment houses, and land. Leaves out many other types, plus details on REITs, etc. (2) The book is about profit analysis. There's a chapter on negotiating and another on financing, but both are very short and not very enlightening. Instead, you are fed a lot of time-value math. This is actually good stuff, since as a RE investor you should be very clear about your profits and the impact of leverage and macro factors. I just wish the title accurately reflected the book's content.



2. I agree with the previous poster that the book is good in covering some aspects of financial analysis and profitability, but isn't a general book on real estate investing. However, the author does point that out in the book, that you will need to further study on the topics this book doesn't cover.
   
   The main strength of the book is in the profitability calculations and time value analyses of investment capital in real estate. There are detailed calculations to examine a property's projected profitability, and these range from simple calculations designed to give you a quick and dirty figure as a first approximation, such as the pre-tax operating cash flow, which is just gross income minus loan service and operating expenses, but doesn't take into consideration such things as the owner's tax bracket, depreciation, and so on. So it is much inferior to the total internal rate of return calculation, according to the author, but as I said, is useful for a rough idea and to filter likely properties for closer examination.
   
   The book discusses the pros and cons of the different types of investments, such as single family dwellings, duplexes, triplexes and qaudriplexes, and undeveloped land, in terms of their potential profitability.
   
   For example, many new investors start with a duplex, which are easier to rent than a single family home (such renters are probably on the verge of buying their own home), and which can be managed easily by a neophyte investor. Progressing onto something like a four-plex, this offers greater profit potential but requires much more management knowledge both in terms of people skills and accounting and organizational skills and so on, negotiating with contractors for repairs, and so on. Single family dwellings usually have a net negative cash flow until sold, but offer greater capital appreciation than apartments, but apartments usually have a positive cash flow during the holding period.
   
   So overall, a good book for some aspects of real estate investing, but you'll need a more general book to fill in your knowledge of the other areas, especially the day to day and practical aspects of management, how to set up the various bookkeeping chores, which will require separate books for tracking expenses and operating costs, rental payments, gross and net income statements, overall profitability, and so on. For a recommendation for a better general book, I preferred the one by Milt Tarven, but unfortunately I don't recall the exact title.



3. This was a helpful guide to real estate investing. It is a bit dated, but I read this through the store and bought it on Amazon.

2 comments about Getting Started in Real Estate Investing, 2nd Edition.

1. As a begginner to real estate I found this book to be a great primer on the fundementals of real estate. It explains some of the factors one must consider in valuing real estate, such as confrmity. It explains the basics of loans and the pros and cons of using an accelerated system. It also explains the real estate investment cycle and how it evolves. This book is just a primer it promotes no particular investment philosophy but just the basics one must know in order to be real estate investor.



2. This book is great because it gives you a detailed look at real estate investing from an "investor's point of view". It discusses cycles, timing, knowing your numbers, etc. that all other books I have read have either completely left out or barely touched on. To be well-rounded on this subject, this book is an absolute must.

No comments about Donald Trump- Real Estate Investing, Master Secrets to Getting Rich, 16 Disc Set w/FREE Travel Case.

5 comments about Home Building Contractor Secrets: How to Buy Wholesale and Save $40,000 (or More) on the Construction of Your Dream Home without Driving a Nail.

1. a very helpful book....more than pays for itself. As a real estate broker and developer, I found some hints and tips that
   even I wasn't aware of. GREAT BOOK!!!!



2. The author states that women can contract the building of homes, as well as men. I wasn't sure that I believed that. I've already learned that I'm not good at hammering nails or finishing sheetrock. A still unfinished basement taught me that. But I think the basement will get finished now, with the help of this book. It appears to me that general contracting is a lot like shopping for the best deal with several subcontractors and then organizing them. Who knows how to organize shopping better than a woman?



3. Having already built two homes myself I thought I k,new most of the pitfalls but Mr. Lane's book brought back many memories, most unpleasant. Besides going into wonderful detail without techical over load this book covers every subject. Most particularly is that you write down what is to occur at each part and have the sub-contractor sign the aggrement. Number one is "don't change anything agreed upon without a written change order". This proably costs most builders more money than anything during the project life.
   This book will get you through the complete process, I call it my tech fact book. It's full of reminders and helpful hints as well as the "step by step basics". I also apreciate his willing ness to be involved if you request his help.
   It's obivous to me Lane had "been there done that"



4. I found the book to be very understandable with a lot of great information. The author obviously has a great deal of knowledge about the topic and conveys it in a very down-to-earth fashion. We have built several homes in our lives and I wish we would have had this book before we began. The book covers every aspect of construction and how to manage each stage. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone even thinking about building a new home, or having someone build one for you. Even if the reader is not planning to do the contracting themselves, it does give them good insight as to what to expect from a quality contractor. Read this book before you build!



5. This book is written in a humorous and concise, step by step, easy to follow manner that anyone can understand. Many sections are helpful not only to individuals building a house, but also to those buying an existing home. The information on financing and qualifying for a loan were very helpful to my daughter and son-in-law before they bought their existing home and they will be using the contractor/sub-contractor info to finish their basement. It is a very helpful book for any homeowner.