Rating: 
Summary: INTERESTING???
Review: Isn't it funny how mediocre books like this are described as "realistic", "sensible", and "not get rich quick"?I guess some folks feel that anything with savings account rates of return (if that) is realistic and sensible. Or perhaps anything put out by someone who is not making a lot of money is realistic. As other reviewers have indicated, this book is basic is as basic goes. A lot of what is offered in this book, has been taken from the "gurus" older books only is in digest form (very abbreviated) and like the "gurus" (who have been at this a lot longer and are a lot better) Suzanne offers a seminar. The book is just to get your interest.If you know absolutely nothing about real estate, this book is like First Grade elementary basics, but is not enough to make your first deal.Better to invest in Carleton Sheets No Money Down Program or buy Bob Allens "Nothing Down for the 90's".Beware of unknown authors trying to sell "realistic, sensible" (actually--ineffecive) books and financial advice.
Rating: 
Summary: Buy this book, and do what it says.
Review: Heard Ms. Thomas in February in Chicago. She was not selling a seminar or bootcamp, but 2 hours of good first hand experience that most any astute, willing person can do to start and run a successful rental house business. I've done much of what she suggests, and found her information to be useful and right. When I have a question about something simple or more involved, I've usually found some helpful reference in this book.
She covers everything from selecting properties and tenants to 1031 exchanges (which many professionals don't cover well) clearly and carefully.
Anyone who thinks they want to learn more about running their own home rental business will be well served by the information in this book. Buy it and do what it says. It works.
Rating:
Summary: A " Must Read"
Review: This is a great book for beginners to pros. Suzanne Thomas is a very astute investor who knows the rental house business. She covers all the aspects in the process from A to Z in a very straight forward easy to understand methodology. A great read with lots of helpful real life examples. I have referred back to her book for helpful ideas on numerous occasions.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for beginning investors
Review: This book gave a solid introduction to investing in single-family homes. It was both inspiring and educational. In particular, I found the chapters on "Selecting Properties", "Qualifying Potential Tenants" and "The Lease" to be especially useful.
Rating: 
Summary: Too general and too vague
Review: BASIC...BASIC....BASIC. Nothing new or worthwhile here. Save your money and buy a better book.You'll be glad you did!
Rating: 
Summary: insightful reading for small investors
Review: I have read a few investment books and Suzanne really adds information that is not covered anywhere else. Her buy and hold strategies, and long term investing is what I am interested in. She never pulls the be a millionaire in 30 day approach that most authors claim. Her knowledge of ARM loans, and financing rentals is easy to understand and can be used without all the fancy lease options, wraps, and assumables that others cover. All the mortgages can be obtained at banks or standard mortgage companies. Most authers cover buy,buy, and buy, but the information here is how to hold and pay off properties.
A few items that keep it from being a 5 star. Managing properties section is thin. It could be better. She also buys higher priced houses, which for a beginner may not be possible.
The style is easy to read. The plan is laid out clear. If you want a early retirement, or assure yourself income when you do retire this book is a great place to start.
Rating: 
Summary: Not much good information here
Review: I got this book based on the five star reviews. I was expecting something really fantastic. What I got was a very abridged version of a complete book and the author hawking a real estate seminar. The five star reviewers much be either completely ignorant about real estate or blatantly naive and easy prey for a sales pitch.Recommend Flipping Properties or Income Formulas by Al Lowery for some real meaty real estate info.
Rating:
Summary: Well worth the read!
Review: This book is well worth the read. There are many useful books out there on real estate investing, but I keep coming back to this book for basic and not-so-basic information. The author's attitude
about the learning process is most helpful, and actually inspirational for this reader. In the seemingly complicated world of REI, she keeps all her information readable and within reach.
Rating:
Summary: Very helpful !!
Review: This is a "Great book" for beginners. Suzanne covers everything from how to find a property to lease agreements. I referred back to it many times while purchasing my first investment property.
I highly recommend this book, it's well worth your time and money.BUY IT!
Rating:
Summary: Few details. Mostly overworked material and theory, not fact
Review: This author makes it appear all so easy. Just go out and buy 4-5 properties and have a net worth of approximately $40,000.Big problem with this theory. First it assumes that the individual has the $40,000 to invest. If not, it means borrowing and that means debt and interest on loans.It also assumes that tenants will take care of your property. If a baby throws food on the wall they'll clean it. It also assumes that the tenant will take care of minor fixups and not bother you. And it does not take into account the high turnover rate of tenants who will leave on a dime or the damage that tenants do to your property.The hypothetical example of a penny a day doubled every day or a $1,000 a day for 30 days is impressive, but also hypothethical. I know people who have invested in real estate, own a half dozen properties and are now desperately trying to sell them, take their losses and move on to another opportunty. Not all parts of the country are showing growth in real estate and you still have to subtract the costs of your real estate business (the cost of a loan and interest on loans, repairs, running ads to acquire tenants and so on) from the income and perceived growth.The best of what is available here has been published in other books over the years. I think that the average person who watches a Carleton Sheets infomercial knows as much about reals estate as what is offered in this book...this book... falls far too short on details.Not bad, but not worth the money either.
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