Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding information for the beginner.
Review: This book covers every aspect of investing in small rental properties. The timing couldn't be better! I am getting ready to purchase my first property and after reading this book I felt, "I can do this!" Suzanne has given me the confidence and excitement that my financial future can be secure.
Rating:
Summary: Solid Advice for methodical investors
Review: The best thing about this book is it doesn't try to sell you get rich quick simplistic solutions to real estate investing. There are far too many Rah-Rah get-rich-quick no money down quick-flip real estate books that appeal to simple-minded people who dream of immediate results and instant wealth.Rental houses offers a comprehensive overview of how to invest safely and intelligently for sucessful long term results. It is written in a comfortable, easy to digest style. Even the sections involving math are laid out so numbers-phobic folks can understand the information. Some folks want to believe that there is a fool-proof get-rich-quick no-money-down method for investing in real estate. There are lots of books out there that cater to this pollyanish approach. For people who want an intelligent reasonable way to invest without gimmicks "Rental Houses" offers a solid blueprint for action.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay, but not that informative
Review: I enjoyed Real Estate Riches and Nothing Down for the 90's along with Creating Wealth and strongly recommend those books over this one. Very little, if anything new here. Beginners and all real estate investors could do better by reading somethingelse.
Rating:
Summary: Flipping properties is better
Review: This book is okay but reads like a small digest of a complete real estate book.I liked Flipping Properties better and Real Estate Riches.For this book, if you really want to read it, check at your local library or wait untill it shows up on the discount counter of your favorite book store. Or buy a cheap, used copy here at Amazon
Rating: 
Summary: Too basic for me
Review: Better informationi s available elsewhere. You can skip this one
Rating:
Summary: Basic, but sounds good to me
Review: I'm new to the rental real estate biz, but I just purchased two duplexes. I found this book, while basic, to be extremely helpful. I now use it as a reference, and have made a concrete plan for where Id like to be in five years. I'll let you know how it works out.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent first read for the novice investor!!
Review: I just finished reading this book, and in one sitting! What a pleasurable read! Having read a number of books on real estate investment, I found Suzanne's book to be a refreshingly clear approach to the topic. I've found other books on real estate investing to over-complicate the myriad of investment options and strategies out there, leaving me more confused and overwhelmed than before reading the book. In 'Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor,' the author does an excellent job of describing her easy-to-understand real estate investment strategy.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone thinking about or perhaps already investing in real estate. Readers discouraged by the dry and complicated nature of other books on the topic will find this book refreshing in its content and delivery.
The bottom line for me is that after reading this book, I feel more confident than ever in moving forward with my real estate investment plans.
Rating: 
Summary: too basic
Review: Though I read this book some time ago, I remember being dissapointed. Too basic; mistress of the obvious.
Rating:
Summary: Superb, insightful, realistic.
Review: This is a pragmatic, realistic, down-to-earth book on how to achieve financial independence through owning rental houses. The advice is based upon the author's real-life experiences of owning rental houses in Colorodo & Texas in the 1990s. Suzanne P.Thomas begins the book by exploring what your objectives and goals might be in attaining financial independence. It is this kind of discussion that gives first-time investors the perspective needed to consider rental houses. The rate-of-return of rental real estate is analyzed to show how benefical it is, including the tax breaks, depreciation, leverage, etc. Her clear, friendly writing style allowed me to finish the book in a few days. Thomas addresses the idea of owning single family rental houses from many different perspectives, starting with it being a part-time second job. This point of view was refreshing and opens up the possibilities for everyone. By slowly acquiring the properties over a number of years, this is not a 'get rich quick' book, but rather a sober look at what can be done by almost anyone who is interested and determined. And she provides you with the steps she took to do it. Suzanne discusses the many types of loans available (and not just from banks), down payments, paying down adjustable rate mortgages early, property evaluation and selection, tenant management, 1031 tax deferred exchanges, etc. The material is covered in detail and is clearly explained. The fact that Suzanne actually DID this then documented her experiences and advice makes this book a must read for anyone considering single family rental homes as an investment vehicle.
Rating:
Summary: This is the handbook for the new Real Estate investor.
Review: I recently read "Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor" It is the perfect reference book on real estate investment. I am constantly referring to it. I'd say if I could only have one book on real estate investing, this would be it. It's easy to understand, concise and no fluff.
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