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

1. This book is comprehensive. It covers a lot of topics about real estate investing. Furthermore, it offers tips and tricks on how successful investors were able to pull off their deals. Something that is hard to come by, as many real estate authors aren't really investors.
   
   Just a side note -- if you're an expert, you'd probably learn something from this, but overall you would be bored. So don't buy it thinking your going to get a "for experts" book, this is for beginners. Those that have not made their mark on the real estate market yet.
   
   -Matt
   co-author of the Ultimate Foreclosure Kit



2. This is truly a good start to real estate investing because it covers a lot of different business models. I know many of us here come from a real estate agent background where our jobs are to sell for other people. This book kinda opens up your eyes to the rest of the real estate industry, where people are making more money by bypassing the real estate agent side.
   
   This was one of the first books I've ever read on real estate and I highly recommend it. I have some other recommendations, see my other reviews.



3. Eldred has set this book up for what he considers to be a beginner. He does not take you by the hand and walk you through all the vocabulary or every aspect of the business. For example, if you don't know what owner financing is, expect to take a few pages to figure it out on your own.
   
   Another problem I had with this book is that I am pretty sure that some of his methods for financing are illegal. He lives by the "They won't ask, and you don't tell" philosopy. He is also a big believer in no money down loan financing. I have seen A LOT of people get into trouble this way: it promotes get rich quick idealism and before you know it, you're in over your head.
   
   However, there are a few things I did like, Eldred has experience, and gives pros and cons for ALMOST every one of his suggestions. While some of his financing ideas no one in their right mind should try, the rest are well presented and worth considering. He also breaks down the equation (math) side of things and gives examples to make it easier to understand.
   
   Some useful stuff, but not what I was hoping for.



4. Not a bad read --definitely skewed towards beginners. Good in terms of its scope. You might be interested in looking into these: 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, and the companion CD; The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses (Combo Audio/Data CD): Author's Audio Commentary Plus Downloadable 32-page Marketing Manual, Checklists, Spreadsheets, and Forms.
   
   A related program is:
   
   The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Personal Wealth Creation (Combo Audio/Data CD): Audio Seminar With Downloadable 40-Page Action Manual and Active Link Library.



5. I am a brand new investor, investing in real estate in the Miami-Dade/ Broward County areas. I have read several articles on real estate and also have listened to CD's on wholesaling, foreclosures, and other such topics. This is the first actual book I have read on any real estate subject. I have found that this book has been very easy to follow and comprehend.
   
   The author is really informative and not only discusses how he invests, but he gives voice to alternatives. I have been attending the local real estate investor's meetings, so with my limited knowledge, I can ascertain that the author is in fact a professional in this field and not just another person trying to become a millionaire by repeating techniques that (he) hasn't utilized, himself.
   
   I recommend this book to all real estate investors that are just beginning in this field. This book does not go into step by step detail on how-to do certain deals, however, it gives an overall understanding, for the beginner to better make a decision on which area of real estate they would like to invest in. I, myself have now narrowed my interest parameters to other subjects that I was not interested in prior to reading. Overall I give this book, 5 stars. It sets a higher bar for any book that I read hereinafter.

5 comments about The Real Estate Fast Track: How to Create a $5,000 to $50,000 Per Month Real Estate Cash Flow (Creating Cash Flow Series).

1. This is one of the best books about building a real estate business I have ever read. If you already have a few income producing properties then this is the book for you. There's a ton of books out there for people that want to start investing in Real Estate, but if you already own properties and want to learn more about building a real estate business that works so you don't have to then this is the book you need. I read the book cover to cover and it is a GREAT value, dollar for dollar you cannot get better information!



2. Not worth the time reading. Get Rich quick ideas. Post signs and take over mortgage payments, lease options, etc



3. This book essentially puts it out to get rich by looking for preforeclosures or distressed mortgages, getting a house on the cheap and having someone else pay for the mortgage. Overall a general good book to read and a must have for the real estate investor's library.
   
   PROS:
   1. Describes tried and true rental strategies.
   2. Describes flipping strategies.
   
   CONS:
   1. Advertisement about other seminars.
   
   OTHER SUGGESTED READING:
   1. Investing Without Losing (ISBN: 0978834607 NOT on amazn, on other stores)
   Why? Learn how to buy properties below market value and flip it in a week.



4. I find it hard to believe that any of these "strategies" would work. Hang up signs, assume mortgages, options... don't waste your time. I have read many books and this is probably the worst. It may offer some motivation, but the majority of these ideas are worthless!



5. There are a couple of ideas in this book, which I would have eventually thought of myself. As a previous reviwer wrote this book is to sell you on the author's mentoring services. This guys are a parasite to cut into your profits. Don't waste your time or money on the book or the author's services.

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

1. Ken Rosen's Investing in Income Properties is a treasure for me. I am a teacher and would like to have greater income to live more comfortably than my salary affords. His book inspires me to invest in real estate. The book is clear, to the point and perfect for a novice. I have already begun assembling a team of experts to help me. I am starting to think more creatively already. Thank you, Ken Rosen.
   Ellen Kempler, Teacher



2. I have just finished reading "Investing in Income Properties by Kenneth D. Rosen.
   
   I can't imagine a better book on the subject for non-professional investors in real estate income property. Mr. Rosen has written this great book in plain English and in a very logical manner that ordinary investors can understand (something hard to find in books written by professional's)
   
   Before retiring, we were heavily invested in income real estate. As I think back about how we floundered around trying to get reliable advice, I can only imagine how much time and anguish we would would have saved had we had been able to read Ken's book beforehand.
   
   As I said, "I can't imagine a better book on the subject." 5-stars PLUS.
   
   By Taylor Larimore, co-author of "Bogleheads' Guide to Investing."



3. If you're a novice and do nothing else but follow Ken Rosen's Big Six Formula, you should be able to make money with the best of them in today's real estate market.
   Rosen shares nuggets of valuable information that will make sense to investors at any level.
   Roy Langer, President
   Center for Effective Communication
   Coral Gables, FL



4. I am a real estate broker in the mid-coast area of Maine and I am recommending this book to all of my investment buyers, particularly those purchasing mult-unit apartment houses. It is one of the most clearly and concisely written "how to's" I have read. In fact, I might just purchase several copies to give to them as incentives to purchase. Marvelous for the lay person.



5. 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 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.

1 comments about The Real Estate Investor's Guide to Corporations, LLCs, and Asset Protection Entities.

1. The Real Estate Investors Guide is very informative, easy to read, and understandable. I've read other books on asset protection, and often they provide such complex schemes for protecting your assets that there is just no way it applies to me. I liked that this book focused on the "normal" individual and clearly explained what LLCs and Corporations do, and how to use them.

5 comments about Investing in REITs: Real Estate Investment Trusts: Third Edition.

1. Most investors can point to an elite handful of teachers that they would credit for their investment success and overall knowledge of markets. Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch, and perhaps John Bogle are the best-known great friends of the individual investor in our generation. I don't say this lightly, but for any investor trying to get a handle on the REIT asset class, Ralph Block is in their esteemed company.
   
   You won't find a more clearly written book about REITs anywhere, and beginning investors to hedge fund managers would be well-advised to digest everything that Ralph puts forth in his continually updated books on REITs. The metrics used to evaluate REITs, the forces which make them rise and fall, and their tax implications are different enough from other asset classes that any conscientious investor should keep this book handy. Ralph does a masterful job of making this fine asset class easier to understand, and he helps investors know where to spot risk, growth, management excellence and ultimately, opportunity.
   
   REITs have gone from being an undiscovered backwater in the investment world (perhaps because so many real estate limited partnerships in the 1980's were indeed toxic waste) but today they are clearly mainstream. Investors need to understand what they own, and Ralph's book helps readers understand exactly that. He writes in a clear, succinct fashion that is manna from heaven for both the new investor and private equity guy alike. People focusing on P/E ratios, MACD divergences and EBITDA would be well-served to invest a little time and a teensy amount of money in this book to get a handle on AFFOs, NAVs, and most importantly, great REIT management teams.
   
   Ralph is a looong-time REIT investor, has been a top-rated REIT fund manager and he has a unique perspective on this important asset class. His contributions to REIT understanding have been recognized by NAREIT (the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts) and by many individual investors through his books and his well-received contributions on The Motley Fool message boards. Feel confident that purchasing his book is a good decision on your part.



2. More and more financial advisers suggest investing in REITs. But are they another real-estate investment fad, like the "real estate limited partnerships" of the 1980s? Not at all, says Ralph L. Block, an experienced REIT portfolio manager and former securities attorney. In this clear, sensible book, Block provides an engaging overview of REITs and the underlying real-estate market in which they invest. Block's self-deprecating, casual style is refreshing, and the book assumes little background knowledge of finance, economics or real estate (though it does bog down occasionally in accounting minutiae). In addition to learning about REITs, you'll also get a painless refresher on investment basics at no extra cost. We recommend this book to prudent, buy-and-hold investors who want to know if REITs are right for them.



3. I came across the first edition of this book in my local library (along with Mullaney's book on REITs). That edition hit all the right notes, and as expected from someone who manages an REIT fund, Block reserves considerable space in the book for his pitch for the REIT as a great investment vehicle. Overall, I found the first edition to be balanced, even-handed and a solid introduction to the REIT, though I did have a few criticisms about REITs in general. These are the following:
   
   1. REITs generally are high yield investments. Block failed to address the common dangers associated with any high yield investment, and he did not mention any specific means for the investor (particularly small investors like myself) to shield these juicy yields from the tax man. In passing, over the long term, I am of the opinion that carefully selected REITs will provide an adequate total return, and the prudent small investor would do well to include a select few of them in a Roth IRA.
   
   2. Block tries to compare REITs with other income producing stocks, and generally fails in this regard. Though REITs have similarities to utilities and preferred stock (the one over-riding similarity being the fat yield), there are too many differences between REITs and other income producing investments to make a fair comparison.
   
   3. I believe that an REIT should be evaluated as a common stock first, and then as a real estate play second, rather than the other way around, as Block preferred to do. Granted, the basic nature of the activity should be taken into account, but one should never forget that the publicly traded REIT is a stock. That said, less attention should be paid to the FFO (funds from operation) or AFFO and more should be paid to net income. FFO can be gamed, as Block correctly pointed out, by the creative interpretation as to what constitutes depreciation (FFO is typically defined as net income, less capital gains on sale of real estate, plus depreciation).
   
   4. Block correctly identified the importance of capital structure for the REIT, and did a good job of explaining the REITs need for capital infusions. Intelligent investors in this activity would do well to keep in mind that institutional players get to participate in REITs as either bond-holders or preferred holders, and thus they get sweeter deals than the little guy, who, unless he participates through a mutual fund, will almost always participate as a common stock holder. Moreover, the little guy gets paid his dividend AFTER the institutional players get their cut. Also, I disagree with Block's notion that market cap is a good indicator of REIT capitalization. Essentially, I feel that REIT capitalization is best measured by the balance sheet ( debt load plus cash position and equity), and while not the best measure of capitalization, it is, in my opinion (which granted ain't worth much)better than the use of a subjective measure which changes as market conditions change.
   
   5. I found it odd that Block did not mention the importance of cash flow for the REIT. At a minimum, the REIT has to be able to service its debts. An REIT with a weak cash position and cash flow constraints can not deliver a fat yield for long. Intelligent investors in this activity would do well to be very wary of an REIT that pays out more in dividends than it actually earns in net income per share. An outfit doing this is generally eroding its cash position, thus weakening its ability to service its debts and making it vulnerable to adverse external conditions.
   
   6. My last point is perhaps the most important. The little guy looking to profit in this space is up against 1) insttitutional players who can get sweeter deals as mentioned before and 2) real estate pros who are closer to the various real estate markets and eat, sleep and breathe real estate 24/7. The little guy would do well to know market cycles, specific property types and demographic trends very well before looking at REIT investments. Also, the pros more typically have access to a greater variety and volume of information than is typical in more traditional common stock investment, so on that score, the small investor is fairly well disadvantaged. Thus, I am of the opinion that REIT investment may require a lot more work for a little extra gain, so it is best to dabble lightly in this space.
   
   In sum, this book, now in its third edition, makes for a good starting point for REIT investment. In passing, a more accessible, albeit dated text on REIT investment is John A. Mullaney's REITs: Building Profits with Real Estate Investment Trusts. Those of you looking to invest with safety and success in this space would do well to pick up the latter book and memorize Chapter 16 of the text word for word.



4. Great book for someone trying to get a basic understanding of REITs written from an investor's perspective.



5. After doing lots of reading from investing books, I wanted to learn more about the REIT asset class of investments. This book had some good information, but the main information I was looking for was how taxes are reported and why they are fairly complicated. The author only gave a two page appendix on taxes. I felt like he spent way too much time on why you should invest in REIT's and the aspects of when to buy and what to look for individual REIT's and not the big picture of owning REIT's in an mutual fund or REIT index fund. I was more concerned on how taxes affect your investment's location (Taxable vs. Tax Advantaged) and that was totally ignored. Dissapointed.

5 comments about Make Money in Short-Sale Foreclosures: How to Bypass Owners and Buy Directly from Lenders.

1. I was extemely disappointed in this book. In the title ........How to Bypass Owners and Buy Directly from Lenders....Yet on page 93 you learn that this is NOT possible as you must have the owners permission prior to ever contacting their lender. I found the title misleading as to the content.



2. I found this book pretty good.... It definitely spelled out all the details of short sales.... I think for property investors trying to understand exactly what is involved with short sale purchases this book is perfect. The book was written at a level that I enjoyed....not overly complicated.



3. The book has a couple good points, and is probably benefical to a novice pre-foreclosure investor, but is not worth the time or money of any pre-foreclosure investor thats ever closed a deal before. Most of the examples in the book 'window dressed' profits on deals by not listing all expenses involved.



4. I have bought a ton of books on foreclosures, and top be honest, there are all pretty much the same - vith variations. Short sales are not as easy as they say they are. I would put my money into a book that encompassed all facets of property foreclosure. Probably be better value.



5. I am completely thrilled with this book, it is easy to read, not super technical, and it's fun yet concise teaching style gets you pumped up about making profits in a very little explored area of real estate finance, pre-foreclosure investing. There are several examples in each chapter giving approximate dollar figures in several hypothetical scenarios, with several different strategies. These figures are a great visual aid in learning how to make profits, and even how to create equity in situations where the buyer has none to buy! The authors walk you through each step of the deal, how to deal with various other types of liens and mortgages, and there are a few sample contracts and agreements. I agree the title is a bit misleading, because it is always necessary to negotiate a sales contract with both the lender and homeowner in case of a short-sale deal, but don't let that deter you, because in these cases, seller and lender will be extremely motivated! What they teach you here will allow you to vaporize the competition, they will walk away, you will be left with the best deal, everybody's happy.

4 comments about Creating Urgency in a Non-Urgent Housing Market.

1. Jason Forrest provides powerful insight into the relationship between the salesperson and buyer. He walks the reader through stages of the buying process and explains how we can create an essential emotional impact.
   
   I love that Jason gets right to the point with fresh ideas and entertaining stories. It is so easy to implement his ideas and see results immediately! The book is short and to the point and I often refer back to it.
   
   "Creating Urgency" is for anyone that desires to increase their sales and sell more confidently. After implementing Jason's ideas, I have personally seen and continue to see great results in my sales, confidence, relationships, team building, and leadership. This is not a book you will read and forget about-it is absolutely timeless. "Creating Urgency," initially written for the housing market, is absolutely applicable to any genre of sales.



2. I've also heard Jason speak... i highly recommend checking out the book. It offers specific details and suggestions rather than vague ideals. Good stuff.



3. This book is a must read for anyone in sales. I have recommended it to all of the brokers in my office. Creating Urgency is a joy to read but, more importantly, provides powerful tools for any salesman.



4. A timely and relevant message that's enjoyable to read and easy to apply. Most importantly, Jason reminds us that we are individually responsible for creating our own competitive advantage, which becomes even more urgent in down markets.

5 comments about Find It, Fix It, Flip It!: Make Millions in Real Estate--One House at a Time.

1. Not sure, I'd recommended this for someone unless you are flipping at California area.
   Thanks
   Hobi



2. I am in the real estate business in Florida.Great book! Easy- to- read, clear, concise and instructive with alot of general real estate info as well as a clear, excellent guide to finding a property, fixing it, finding the buyer and flipping it.Separated into three areas for easy reference with specific advise about pitfalls as well.
   Overall, a very recommended buy for anyone interested in flipping properties.



3. I've read a number of books on this subject and found this one much more detailed and filled with far more practical information than the others.
   He even gives you a method to figure out the profitability of a flip that's easy to use. This allows you to set a budget for your flip so you know where you need to be to make money. His no BS approach keeps your feet on the ground so you understand that a lot of what you have to learn is through experience but he gives you enough info to be well armed to win.
   E. Lobato



4. This was the third book I read on the subject of flipping real estate and while it wasn't worst book I've read, much of the information seemed to be a repeat of what the others covered. There still is plenty of information contained within that other authors never mention, so this is still worth reading if you're exploring the topic.
   
   I started with Kirsten Kemp's Flipping Confidential which I found to be a well organized primer on flipping. If you've never read any books on the subject, start with that book first.
   
   If you want a true, step-by-step manual, try Rick Villani's FLIP: How to Find, Fix, and Sell Houses for Profit. After reading that book, I felt like I had a clear program to follow and had I had the cash, I would have been ready to start flipping.



5. Good book, easy to read with easy-to-use formulas. However, it is meant for beginners; there's alot more to know about the process.

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.