Rating: 
Summary: Sound advice for all investors
Review: After reading Eldred's 106 Mistakes Homebuyers (see my review) I decided to see what he had to say about investing. Another eyeopener! This book covers so many topics with interesting and very practical explanations and advice that I'm convinced that investing in rentals is a way to make money that's much better than stocks. In fact, I've just closed on a duplex that I was able to negotiate at a great price--but the possibilities for profitable improvement that this book shows is where I think I stand to gain. If you want to build wealth with minimum risk,you can really learn about investing from this book. (P.S., the 106 Mistakes book also was quite helpful to me when I was evaluating investment properties).
Rating:
Summary: Packed with information
Review: Read this book. You won't be disappointed. For my money it covers all the topics from foreclosures to financing to market strategy to leasing, etc. better tha any of the other competing books. The authors show a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience that convinced me that they really knew what they were talking about. Also, if you're thinking of moving some money from stocks to real estate, this book will show you the merits of that decision. A great book for beginners or pros in my opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Must Read! Gotta Have!!
Review: Execellent book for beginner or experienced investor. The chapter on 'legitimate' funding sources for low down payments is an eye opener. It also includes the relevent web-site addresses, and provides an illuminating view of the loan process from the lenders perspective(what they want to see before approving your loan). There is also top notch information on setting accurate valuations on prospect properties (the author explains 3 ways you should value a property before running a 'break-even' analysis). Also include several solid formulas for examining a property from an investment viewpoint- debt coverage ratio; before tax cash flow (will my property really make any money?); and the all important ROI (return on investment). This book will take awhile to digest because it's not a 'lite' read. The author also gives a good rebuttal to other '0 down' program and exposes the dangers of high-risk, high-leverage deals. Well worth the investment! Don't waste your money on the other 'introduction' type books before you read this one. If you are looking for nuts and bolts, practical investing info- this is the one to buy first! Includes a lot of info on rehabs as well, but covers all property types; single family and multi unit apts. I examanied 10- 20 other RE books before selecting this one- you won't be disappointed!!!
Rating:
Summary: Cuts through the hype
Review: This is one of the few books on real estate investing that avoids the "hype". Instead, it's just a good solid book that clearly explains how to spot opportunities while at the same time pointing out how to step around pitfalls. The best chapter on valuing properties of any of the many books that I've read.
Rating: 
Summary: This is everything a new investor needs to get started, A-
Review: All the relevant material you could ask for as a investor just starting out. I used it to purchase my first home. I paid $120 out of pocket to acquire a $110,000 townhome in Baltimore, MD for $88,000. The concepts taught and comparisons made between real estate investing and other options(stocks, etc.) are very informative.
Rating:
Summary: Helpful For Everyone
Review: You're not just buying a book to read here. The amount of information in "Investing In Real Estate" makes it an investment. These are the facts. The way things are. There has been spiked interest in RE recently because of the recent low interest rates which has caused an upsurge home-buying in many parts of the country. With all of the real estate courses, seminars, tapes and books being marketed, how rare is it today to hear the facts and not just the hyperbole? This is the most comprehensive and detailed, to-the-point real estate book available. If you're a normal home owner and want to increase your home's value with some shrewd fixing-up before you sell it, you can get tons of pointers here. Want to find the best bargain with your first purchase or your new home? Manage your property(ies)?
What criteria do you use to find the best property? How do you check to make sure? Creative financing is also covered. This is not just for those investing in apartments or a duplex but everyone. Want to rent-out your house? You will learn the basic laws and procedures, and how to write up the most appropriate lease and how to cross your "T's" and dot your "I's." Almost all of us know people who've rented their homes out and had "bad tenants." You'll learn how to screen properly here to avoid them, and how you can use the (local) law. There are many simple and proven math models on how to calculate the return you'll get from buying a detached house, condo, duplex, tri, fourplex, or multi-unit apartment complex. The Gross Rent Muliplyer (GRM), Income Capitalization "Caps," Net Operating Income (NOI), Return on Investment (ROI), and Before Tax Cash Flow (BTCF) etc. Add these simple equations and formulas to the fact that you likely live in the community (familiar with) you'll be buying/investing in, and you'll have the best chance to earn some positive Cash Flow, and choose the best option available. Ways to evaluate neighborhoods and areas that are up-and-coming, paying less taxes, and using depreciation and deductions properly are also covered. Very important for homebuyers and owners yes, but this is the most comprehensive book written for people who are looking to purchase property to plan ahead.
Rating: 
Summary: look elsewhere
Review: The book doesn't help you learn real estate at all. The book just gives you pros and cons against investing in stocks.
Rating:
Summary: Great book if you're thinking of getting into real estate
Review: I've read many real estate books and this one is the best at covering the broadest spectrum. The best part about the book is that as other reviewers have stated, the book is up-to-date and not outdated like some other "get rich" quick real estate books. Those times are over. One word of caution is that the book does not touch on multi-family properties and could use a little more by the way of how to measure performance.
Rating:
Summary: RE Novice
Review: Very informative and lots of practical advice. Calculating Cap rate and how to derive a value off the anticipated rents is not discussed in many other books. Good, detailed advice for anyone considering a property.
Rating:
Summary: exceptional introduction to real estate investing
Review: i've bought and sold a few pieces of personal real estate, but i'm new to real estate investment. i looked long and hard for a book that was short on hype and "get rich quick" and long on the facts, both good and bad. this book is it- the authors cover all of the major types of real estate investing (though they focus primarily on residential) and give you the tools to get started. highly recomended.
|
