5 comments about Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?: The Amazingly Simple Way to Make Millions in Real Estate.

1. I had been investing in real estate by traditional means (i.e. bank loans) for over a year and having marginal success. I thought I had read every "how to" book on the market until I found Bill Barnett's. You always hear of his methods from other investors and in other books but never get a good layout of what YOU need to do to make it work. Using a few of the methods described in Bill's book, I bought a property 3 days after I put the book down and turned it for 22% in 5 weeks. I have been doing this for the past 4 months and re-read the book often as it serves as a good reference as well. The presentation of facts versus good fortune and other people's stories is what serparates this book from the thousands of others. There will always be risks involved with investing and there is no such thing as an "overnight" millionaire--but this book will certainly get you on your way. Highly recommended.



2. I have to say that everything in this book is right on the money ! Especially the "pitfalls to avoid" notations in each chapter. As a novice real-estate investor, I have spent the last two years reading many RE investing books and attending RE seminars. This book holds most of the info that I've read and heard for over 2 years. It puts it in an easy to digest format. If your even considering buying real-estate, before spending thousands on seminars and the "get rich quick" schemes, I suggest you read this book and join a local RE investment group.



3. Bill Barnett II has written one of the best books on the topic of how to succeed as a real estate investor. I'm always suspicious when a book says, essentially, "it's simple to make millions in real estate" -- suspicious not because I think making millions in real estate is complex, but because these books are generally selling something else (i.e. a seminar) or they are so simplistic they're embarrassing. While it's true, as some reviewers have pointed out, that Barnett excessively promotes his Web site and his seminar/coaching (it's somewhat alarming that publishers today allow so much of this), he nonetheless provides plenty of solid information that any adult could follow to success and riches.
   
   I read most if not all of the books on this topic to consider them for live author interviews on my Real Estate Investors Hour and most of them never make the cut. Few of them make it to my "favorites" list as this one has. Barnett also proved to be an excellent interview.
   
   There are too many good points in the book (including the author's 120 day program to success) to discuss all of them, but I'll especially talk about the author's point that you don't have to put your own money into real estate deals. I saw another reviewer who panned the book in disbelief of that point, but the reviewer is wrong. Barnett provides a credible script for seeking other people's money for investment purposes. And any of us who have done any real estate investing also have likely experienced the call from a distant friend or relative who asks, "If I send you some money, can you use it to buy real estate and pay me 10 to 12 percent?" And indeed we can . . . and we do. Anyone who doesn't believe that hasn't much experience with real estate investing. On the other hand, you do have to believe in the system and as Barnett points out you have to trust his script.
   
   I also like what Barnett has written because so much of it is consistent with what we teach our franchisees in Success Systems Training. We go into far greater depth and we do much of the work for our franchisees, but a franchise also costs considerably more than a book! And the same truth applies: Those who trust in the script and believe in the system and work it will succeed. Those who do not generally fail or struggle.
   
   I don't think you have to be "dumb enough" to make money as a real estate investor, or in this case to be "rich," but I do believe you must be "disciplined enough" to succeed. Most people are not. However, for those who are, this is one of the few books that can legitimately show you how to get rich as a real estate investor. And there's never been a better time to get started than right now!
   
   John P. Hayes, Ph.D.
   President & CEO
   HomeVestors of America, Inc.
   Host: Real Estate Investors Hour, WBAP, Dallas, TX
   [...]



4. This book was recommended to me by a self-proclaimed real estate millionaire. Chapter 13 on making multiple offers was useful as was chapter 8 on rehabilitating houses. I made highlights in 17 of the chapters for later review. Some sections of the book were vivid and painted the detailed picture I was searching for and others did me no help. For the price I paid ($10) this was an average investment of my money and time.



5. Real estate investments have generated excellent results even in 'down' markets, and the second updated edition of Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich? Explores these opportunities, providing a special 120-day plan for beginning investing in real estate. Even those with no real estate or financial background can follow the ideas and opportunities presented here, with a new edition including the author's new 'hot mapping' system for figuring out where to invest, and updated, concrete strategies for success.

5 comments about Stocks for the Long Run : The Definitive Guide to Financial Market Returns and Long-Term Investment Strategies.

1. When you are done with this book, DO NOT LOAN IT TO ANYBODY. I lost my first copy when an intern did not return it. I lost the next copy when a friend gave it to his mom.
   
   Reading this book will give you a better understanding of the financial markets than 99% of the people around you. If you do not understand any part of the book, skip it and go back later. For a first book, there is none better.
   
   If you are already knowledgeable, it is still a great read.
   -Enjoy



2. Stocks for the Long Run: The Definitive Guide to Financial Market Returns and Long-Term Investment Strategies Jeremy J. Siegel
   
   Stocks for the Long Run makes the most convincing case for long-term stock market investing. Part history book and part finance book, it is brilliant. I want to give this book to my clients who want to put all or most of their money in CDs, bonds and other debt instruments. Siegel uses historical records to prove that well allocated, diversified stock investments truly are the best way to steadily accumulate wealth over time. His historical narrative also turns what could be just another hard-to-read investment book into a compelling story -- there really is a great deal of drama in the retelling.
   
   If you read this book you will be armed with information to make educated choices about how to invest your hard earned money. Weathering the stock markets ups and downs can be a profound challenge to the uninformed investor. This book provides a perspective that allays some fears and offers cautions as well. Stocks for the Long Run will help you make good investment decisions, and give you confidence in the decisions you make.
   
   James Lange, CPA/Attorney and author of Retire Secure! Pay Taxes Later: The Key to Making Your Money Last as Long as You Do



3. This book clearly illustrates the need to be disciplined as an investor. Unfortunately, as many Americans do not exercise this discipline they will never achieve the potential returns that can be had in the market. This book should be mandatory for all students to read and study probably at the high school level.



4. I agree with the other reviewers that this book is an outstanding essay for those who want to learn how to select stocks for a value portfolio. Where we differ is that for the typical investor he does not have the resources to build a properly diversified portfolio- either financial or mental resources. Value stocks do provide returns in excess of broad market returns but in order to have adequate diversification you must assemble several hundred issues well beyond the resources of the average investor. Further one must have the time and skill to evaluate several thousand issues.
   
   I can offer a solution to this problem. I want to recommend for you a book titled How to Make Money in the Stock Market-Buy 2,500 different stocks for $1000 - Pay no Commission This book is a must for those wanting to find out about indexing (passive investing) and why it is the superior method for the small investor (and big one too). This book is an outstanding guide to personal investing. It will be useful to all investors from novices to highly the highly experienced. This book prepares the reader to approach investing from the standpoint of the underlying science. It is the antithesis of a 'get rich quick scheme'.
   
   All aspects of Modern Portfolio Theory and passive (index) investing are explained in a through and easily understood manner. The aspect I like most is that as well as a solid theoretical foundation the book is very practical and shows the reader how to create (and more importantly) and manage over time a successful portfolio. This is a great book- for the beginning investor, it's a great place to start and for the experienced investor there are many valuable suggestions.
   
   It's a shame to think of how much money investors have lost "investing" in the stock market over the years. I wish I had read this little book years ago. The chapter on automatic investing recommends a number of portfolios that follow modern portfolio theory and adjust risk as you age without any effort on the part of the reader at all. Had this book been written years ago and had I followed its directions I would be rich today of that I am certain. Nevertheless I will pursue one of the portfolios recommended and stick to my chosen asset plan.
   How to Make Money in the Stock Market-Buy 2,500 Different Stocks-Pay no Commission



5. Jeremy Siegel is the Russell E. Palmer Professor of Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He appears regularly on networks like CNN, CNBC and NPR, and is a frequent contributor to financial periodicals.
   
   "Stocks for the Long Run" is the best known book by Siegel, and widely cited. There are more than 100 books that cite "Stocks for the Long Run".
   
   Most of the book takes a long-term view of the financial markets. Siegel takes an empirical perspective to answer some major investing questions. Even though the book has been termed "the buy and hold Bible", the author occasionally concedes that there can be some market inefficiencies that can be exploited. The book is very easy to comprehend and is targeted to wide audience.
   
   If you like the idea of scrutinizing major investing questions, popular beliefs and conventional wisdoms, I would recommend "The Only Three Questions That Count" by Kenneth L. Fisher, which is much deeper than "Stocks for the Long Run".

5 comments about Investing in Income Properties: The Big Six Formula for Achieving Wealth in Real Estate.

1. I hold a real estate brokers license in several states and am much impressed with this book's quality in both form and content. The author's enthusiasm, sincerity, and substantial experience are evident from the outset. I highly recommend this book to anyone seriously interested in real estate investing, whether pro or novice, and to anyone wanting to learn more about the subject. The cited specific cases alone are worth the price of the book -- real experiences, not cheap to acquire, but freely shared.



2. As a practicing CPA in both California and Florida for 20 years and as a witness to the recent real estate boom and downturn, it is clear that Ken Rosen has deep understanding and a vast experience in investing in income producing property. I wish all my clients over the years had his insight into the basic fundamentals before jumping into a real estate investment. I have no doubt that if certain of my clients were aware of Ken Rosen's investment approach that many of them would have made much better decisions and as a result, would either have made more money or could have even avoided financial crises.
   
   It is important to note that this book speaks to many relevant fundamental issues that are driving the US economy. Ken Rosen addresses the most current and relevant tax issues, legal concerns, the importance of ideal financing and negotiating with a bank.
   
   Anyone already involved in commercial real-estate or getting started will benefit from this well written and easy to read book



3. I loved this book. I love that the formula is simple. I have been looking at proeprties here in Miami and also at properties that I have bought in the past. It is clear from my past that if I had followed the BIG 6 I would have been better off. I highly reccomend this book if you are searching for financial independnce though the purchase of income properties. Just hitting one property with the BIG 6 could make you and your family financially independent for life. I will never buy another property that does not have the Big Six.



4. Ken Rosen shares with the reader his vast experience in his latest book, Investing in Income Properties. The book covers all facets of the process of searching for, purchasing and maintaining an Income Property. His grasp of the subject stems from his many years of hands-on experience in real estate, and he presents all the information in a clear, concise and accessible narration that readers will find pleasant to read. His Big Six Formula, combined with his use of real-life stories and hypothetical examples allows the reader to participate in the process instead of just reading about the process. If you own or are interested in owning income properties, Ken Rosen's "Investing In Income Properties" is a must-read!



5. With nearly 30 years in commercial real estate, I continue to learn from seasoned veterans like Ken Rosen. Ken is an accomplished real estate professional, investor and educator. I am honored to be a part of this book which provides easy to understand and down to earth advice for anyone who needs to learn about commercial real estate or wants to invest in real estate. I have read many "how to succeed" books over the years; and none have been as complete and informative as "The Big Six". This is real; a methodical approach to wealth and security. Ken's book teaches how to build a successful real estate portfolio one step at a time. Readers need to bear in mind that the right investment demands determination, patience, diligence and perseverence. Do your homework and let "others" help build your wealth and pay your mortgage as they pay their rent.

5 comments about Profit by Investing in Student Housing: Cash In on the Campus Housing Shortage.

1. So refreshing to find an author that is not shamelessly hawking fluffy books and get-rich-quick seminars to pad his personal bank account. Michael Zaransky is clearly a serious investor/operator in the student housing sector, and openly shares his experience and perspectives. He doesn't predict or guarantee overnight wealth nor an easy path to accomplish instant success as some no-brainer exercise. As he tells us, it requires up-front analysis, discipline, and involving professionals in the process.
   
   What Zaransky does provide are objective statistics and trends from reputable third parties, along with solid guidelines to make the investing process a prudent one. Using this info and approach, he patiently and with proper due diligence, evaluates each deal on all its merits. He also advocates walking away when the deal doesn't meet the established criteria.
   
   I have been an active player in the student housing market for 30-plus years and found his book to be practical and on the money. I would highly encourage any real estate investor whether novice or seasoned, to take advantage of a great resource.



2. Michael Zaransky makes a great case in this book for investing in student housing. He provides all the statistics and other factors for investing in student housing right now. He also gives a good overview as to how go about raising the equity and arranging the financing. This overview, however, is very general, and you will soon find out that what he describes in one paragraph could easily fill a whole book. At least it puts you on notice, which is the most important thing. I also would have liked a more detailed explanation as to his underwriting process, but I understand that he can't give away all of his secrets. Overall, this is a very good book for somebody like myself who was looking for some strategy to invest in real estate instead of just looking over broker advertisements as they come across my desk.



3. This book didn't live up to its reviews. It just restates things I already know. There was nothing new to learn and very little about getting in the Student Housing Market. I don't need a book to get growth statistics on student populations.
   
   The author is a wealthy investor. So was his father and grandfather. Third generation wealth. He can't tell you how to get wealthy from personal experience. All the book talks about is how rich he is and how rich his partners are.
   
   I'm very disappointed and requested a refund.



4. First of all, if you are new to real estate and you want to buy a book that will teach you how to invest, I highly recommend you buy "Making Money With Small Income Properties" by Gary Eldred. Then if you decide that real estate investing is what you want to do and you would like to invest in the college student market, you should by Michael Zaransky's book. It's very well written, easy to understand and offers really good information on this profitable niche. It's the best book written on the subject.



5. I have read many real estate investment books and find this work to be the very best I have ever read. Zaransky instructs the reader on the crutial steps and considerations in making all types of real estate investments. The focus on the hot Student Housing area is very helpful and instructive, but, the principals in the book are useful for all types of real estate investing. Real life examples, words of caution, and many useful Charts and data are most helpful as a guide to successful real estate investing.

5 comments about FORTY YEARS A SPECULATOR.

1. What a great, great book! I don't usually leave reviews, but I am something of an investing book guru, because I own dang near all of them. In the past year or so I've read 12 "penny stock" books and (while this isn't entirely all about penny stocks) this the best one hands down. Aside from being an entertaining read, this book is filled with information regarding sectors I never thought about for penny stocks. This book is worth whatever I paid for it just for his one single penny stock strategy. Let alone he gives his whole investment strategy is this 100 or so page book. I enjoyed reading this book and wish the author would write more, because his hatred for the wall street hypocrit/coward nearly matches mine.



2. This is a great little jewel of a book. After reading it, the writer has provided great details about his strategies and how he plays the market to make a good return on his investments of about 106 different stocks.
   The best part is that you can start small and build up your investments and get paid doing so. This book should be in every serious investor's library and you won't find any hype or fluff in this book, its compact with just hard hitting facts and how to make money on a shoestring budget.



3. This is the best book I have read regarding penny stocks and how to get started. There is more practical knowledge in these 142 pages than anywhere else. This is a down-to-earth book by a down-to-earth investor.
   One of the best parts for me is the section entitled "What a Bargin Looks Like" - listing seven key areas to look for when purchasing a stock. Big Al also list stocks from his own portfolio. This is a big help when evaluating your own picks - by reviewing his.



4. I read this book with great interest because for the past four years I have been using similar investment strategy. From my experience, I can confidently say that the strategy in this book really works. My own research convinces me it will continue to work for quite a long time to come. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to protect or enhance their wealth. In fact I would suggest reading it at least three times.



5. For grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, I would give "Forty Years" a 3-star review. It became more clear as I continued reading that the manuscript skipped a stage or two in the editing process.
   
   But who cares about that? Really, nobody reads an investing book and worries about grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. We're there for the meaty details of how to make the most with our hard-earned money, and "Forty Years" is chocked full of meat. I've never been one to accept the conventional manner of investing - buy and hold the blue chips - so I'm taking this as an opportunity to stretch my muscles a bit in the world of gambling, er, investing.
   
   Scared money doesn't make money, and, finally, with Carach's advisement, I have a channel to vent my desire to make money before I'm 70. Thanks Fred!

2 comments about California Real Estate Principles.

1. This text, by Walt Huber, is used in teaching a beginning course in real estate principles in numerous community colleges in California. As the title implies the specifics (ie laws, requirements, licensing, etc.) conform to the law in California.

   At the end of every chapter there are a few review questions and important terminology covered in that chapter. Key topics within the text are highlighted and www (Internet) addresses are given for sites that corrospond to subjects discussed.

   I found this to be easy-to-understand and written in a clear and informative manner. Also I believe this to be a good resource for questions concerning transactions within this state. If you are outside California this is NOT for you. Overall a favorable impression of this book.




2. This book will give any real estate novice the information needed to get started on learning the basics of California real estate. If you are planning to take the real estate exam, this book will provide the foundation material that you need to know. Covers the full range of topics in a straight forward manner. The companion Real Estate Practice text contains much of the same information, but with a focus on applying the knowledge in a working environment. I would recommend either title.

5 comments about Stop Sitting on Your Assets: How to Safely Leverage the Equity Trapped in Your Home and Transform It Into a Constant Flow of Wealth and Security.

1. I'm an avid reader and have ordered dozens of books through Amazon, but this is the first one I've taken the time to write a review for, because I believe this book can help others in the same situation I was.
   
   I ordered this book when I was applying for Life Insurance. I wanted to review another reference on creative uses of mortgages and insurance to learn more about them. (I'm working with a financial planner who recommended a particular plan, and has largely focused his practice on Marian Snows' strategy). This book gave me a lot of the information I needed to ask my agent questions about my financial plan. In fact, he was impressed with my questions and wanted the name of this book.
   
   This is a very easy to read book, with plenty of understandable illustrations as examples. I have also found it to be very objective, discussing the tradeoffs. The intent of this book is clearly educational- there's no hidden agenda or bias that I can detect. The author has credentials from 20 years in the financial field.



2. I haven't finished the book, but I think I want to raise a question here. Any different thoughts are welcome.
   
   I feel the comparison table on page 26 is questionable. Since Harry did not need to pay mortgage, he could put a total of $240,000 into a side account over the 15 years and let them grow, this will be easily more than double the account at the end. The earning of this side account should be added to Harry's Net Worth. So nobody actually getting ahead.
   
   Who is the winner actually should depends on if the investment outside the mortgage outgrows the mortgage interest (if ignoring the tax benefit to make it simple in the calculation).
   
   I agree the home equity is not safe and illiquid. But saying the side account borrowed from mortgage will definitely outperform is not true to me.
   
   Yes, there is tax benefit. But outside account needs to pay capital gains too. Insurance policies? I need to dig into this more, but at least you need to pay the insurance premium. There is no free lunch really.
   
   For whom who wants to take out mortgage to buy life insurance policy, think a little deeper before doing so, at least for me.



3. Stop Sitting On Your Assets is far more than just a fun and intriguing title. This book will put you on the course to amass a retirement nest egg that is beyond what you thought possible. Marian Snow provides a clear, concise message with a strong call to action. I have purchased dozens of copies to loan or give my financial planning clients.



4. Very sad and full of danger.
   Get rich by writing a book for to help loose your money.



5. I am glad I stumbled upon "Stop Sitting on Your Assets", it is an amazing book that I believe should be picked up by anyone who cares about taking charge of their financial future. I know a lot more now than when I started, am not groping in the dark about concepts of mortgage, equity and real estate. The H.E.R.O. Solution taught me significant financial concepts so that I can be capable of being my own bank -- which is one of the things that author Marian Snow promises. Apart from learning, I have started to apply these principles, and I am reaping the financial rewards. I'd like to give a hefty thanks to Marian Snow for sharing these secrets. It's about time somebody changed Americans think about equity and mortgage.

5 comments about Making Hard Cash in a Soft Real Estate Market: Find the Next High-Growth Emerging Markets, Buy New Construction--at Big Discounts, Uncover Hidden Properties, ... Private Funds When Bank Lending is Tight.

1. Well done. And great timing. The only thing missing from this book is what most others lack - a detailed treatment of the evidence and extent of the real estate bubble, and guidance how to read changing market conditions. For this, I strongly recommend "Cashing in on the Real Estate Bubble" as a companion book. Cashing in on the Real Estate Bubble Together, both books should be all you need.



2. My profession has lead me to read many, many real estate investing books and truth be told, most are mediocre at best -- this book is not one of those! I don't know either Ms. Patton, or Mr. Ryan, but I have read Ms. Patton's previous book and I think that this one is even better. In my opinion, Ms. Patton and Mr. Ryan have managed to put together a very timely, readable and informative book. Not just a rehash of the basics, this book offers information that actually advances the base of knowledge available to the average investor.
   
   In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on real estate investing that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording.
   
   "Hard Cash In A Soft Real Estate Market," is a very good book that will jump you light years ahead of the average investor. I would suggest that you buy it if you are serious about making a success of real estate investing.



3. Even if you are not a real estate investor you can understand these clear and structured techniques. You will learn strategies to take advantage of a good or "bad" market... and then, become an investor.



4. This was not what I had hoped for. The real estate market is in a "Soft time" and I had expected some good advise for the current investment market. There is really none in this book. There are a couple of chapters on how not to be afraid to invest. One on seller financing and one on the subdivision development process. Nothing new or interesting or relevant for the individual investor.



5. If you think books on real estate investments are dull and hard to understand, read MAKING HARD CASH IN A SOFT REAL ESTATE MARKET by Wendy Patton and Justin Ryan.
   
   Their "let's sit down together and we'll talk you through it" approach will inspire readers to get involved in real estate investing and will give them the necessary information needed to take that first step.
   
   Jewel P. Arata

2 comments about The ForeclosureS.com Guide to Advanced Investing Techniques You Won't Learn Anywhere Else.

1. I followed Alexis McGee's advice and techniques and was able to purchase a home for more than $100,000 below the current tax appraisal.



2. Love the book, has so much useful information. Not a get rich quick book, more of a work hard and you can succeed book and that has always been true in my experience. Advanced skills for investors in foreclosures which are only useful if I start to make the calls to friend and family of people that can't pay their mortgages, but I"ll get to it and re-post what I've done with the info.

5 comments about The Insider's Guide to Real Estate Investing Loopholes.

1. I just finished reading Real Estate Investing Loopholes and it is just simply brilliant! I have started investing for cashflow and already can see the benefits. What I have learned the most from your books is the importance of having a plan and due diligence. Thank you so much. Keep writing and we will keep reading.



2. I really liked the chapter, Smart Business Structures That Reduce Risk and Tax. Now I think I better understand the differences between the possible structures and will be able to ask better questions when I am ready to start investing. Also, I like that this book has practical information and is not just trying to dazzle me with get rich quick nonsense. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in real estate.



3. I thought "Real Estate Investing Loopholes" was put together really well. It has a lot of information that will help you find the tax loopholes that will help you best. My favorite Chapter was "Be Paid to Live in Your Home", by having a home office I have been able to write off more expenses and pay less tax. It works. I highly recommend this book. Thanks Diane and Dolf.



4. 
   Just about all of the advice in the book will help a real estate investor enhance his returns through smart tax planning. Saving money on taxes means more to the bottom line, which increases returns. This is not a rah-rah get pumped up to do deals type book, more of a step by step type explanation of how to best protect yourself (using LLC's or Corporations) and how to save on taxes (1031 exchange). They also touch on the relatively new TIC (Tenants in Common) structure, which is looking more and more useful because it will let partners out of a deal to do a 1031 without having to sell the whole property.
   
   Overall it's all stuff a real estate investor needs to know, but I personally would have liked more real life deal examples. In Dolf's 52 homes in 52 weeks there are lots of examples (52) of him doing deals with a breakdown of the profit or loss on each.
   
   By Kevin Kingston, author of: A 20,000% Gain in Real Estate: A True Story About the Ups and Downs From Wall Street to Real Estate Leading to Phenomenal Returns
   
   And my blog is: The Real Estate Investors Blog



5. I enjoyed reading this book. It has given me direction on setting up my business. Diane Kennedy has some very good information in this book that I would encourage you to read. Well written book.