Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor

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Summary: Thank you Suzanne
Review: I will admit that much of the information presented in this book is rather neophyte, but the book is very well written and as a neophyte real estate investor I found it quite helpful. In fact, I especially want to highlight the fact that the recommendation on the banks was well worth the cost of the book. Additionally, I found the criteria that Suzanne presented in selecting properties was very helpful in bringing closure to actually selecting properties. Lastly, has an individual that has high skill in math, the tools presented in the book were quite good and presented with care for the non-math folks. Thanks again.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of Fluff, very little real info
Review: You will learn very little from this book, not even the basics of how to go about obtaining the right rental houses for you, the financing, or managing tenants.

Summary of the book: Get as many houses as you can where the amount you pay the bank for the loan payment is less the the amount you get in rent. Wow.

Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful, well-rounded, highly recommended
Review: I recently purchased _Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor_ after acquiring a duplex, and I have found it to be wonderfully helpful. I have read through the entire book and found useful tips on everything from types of mortgages to pet clauses in leases.

I purchased my duplex as an IRC 1031 exchange with a vacant lot that was not very good, and so this is how I started in on this kind of investment, and now I'm looking forward to future possiblities after reading Ms. Thomas' work.

I really appreciate the personal experiences she relates and the balance of for-profit and caring enterprise that her real estate projects represent.

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Summary: Wonderful Real Estate Investors Guide Book
Review: I picked up this book recently and was wonderfully surprised to see a simple approach to real estate investing. The book covers everything from explaining basic ideas for the new investor as well as for the seasoned one. My wife and I own two properties and this book covers ideas we had never thought of before. Whether you are a beginner or sophisticated investor this is a book you can learn a great deal from. It's nice to read a "how to book" from an author who has really experienced it.

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Summary: Solid, Honest Primer
Review: I liked this book a lot. The info is solid and honest in the sense that she relates all the help she received in building her success. No one does it alone and it is OK to ask for help and if your family is in position to help you, count your blessings. These are life lessons to be gleened from this book.

As for the plan she presents, I like it and can attest that it works. I also eschew no-down deals but only because I have the resources to go in with the money to avoid negative cash flow. If I were still having to hustle, I'd definately be more flexible.

Real Estate (RE) can and should be the foundation of one's wealth building strategy. There are instances when it's not prudent to buy RE, such as when you're often relocating, but once you're settled, RE, especially your own home, offers opportunities not found in any other common investment vehicle. Reading this book will give you a good start.

The RE market in the US is unique in all the world and this nation's RE is the foundation of American wealth and power. RE in the US presents an opportunity unique in the history of the world. To not be investing in US RE is to ignore a remarkable window of opportunity. Read this book and do it.

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Summary: A REAL How to book....
Review: I have read a few books on real estate investing and this one takes the cake. This is a book where the author has really done what they are writting about and is showing you what she did and how you can do it as well. I like how the author states what she did, how it worked for her, and other options if you don't like the way she did something. While reading this book I bought my first home. I was not planning to buy for a few years, but this book helped me do it sooner. I am on my way at 24. If you are even the slightes bit interested in real estate investing, this book is a must read.

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Summary: This is an easy reading - highly informative book!!
Review: This is an excellent book on Rental Houses for the Small Investor. It is easy to read and straight forward, a definite plus! I have been seeking a realistic way to invest in small rental properties...houses, condos and townhomes, and Ms Thomas has made the process very easy. She gives a lot of info on common buying and maintaining properties so they are profitable. She includes the ins and outs of loans as well as finding tenants etc. I really enjoyed her book because it did not have a lot of hype, like those late night infomericials. Instead she shows the serious investor how to easily manuever through the maze of developing streams of profitable rentals that can realistically create a method for you to free yourself from the 9-5 hassles of working for someone else. I can't wait to turn knowledge gained from her into action. By Stephanie White - E-Mail - [e-mail]

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Summary: Rate of Return,The Bottom Line
Review: The information in this book was written for the beginner. It illustrates exactly what should be done to decided what type of property to purchase. To me the emphasis of the book or the gist of it is that we need to set goals. Whatever your goal may be, the formula to reach it is spelled out to a tee. I believe that anyone who is interested in real estate investing needs to read this book. It explains how to figure out the Rate of Return on your dollar depending on what property is bought. A great book, I highly recommend it, you won't be disapointed.

[e-mail] P.O. Box 242 Paramount, CA 90723 [phone]

Rating:
Summary: Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor
Review: Suzanne's book, Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor, is a wealth of information. I wish I'd had this book when I owned some rental houses; I'd probably have held onto them and be earning money from the rental income today. Great job, Suzanne!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Personal Account
Review: Too many real estate books are abstract advice. This one is clearly based on personal experience of buying rental properties during the recession of the 90s. I found the expectation of immediate return on investment unrealistic for my area, but have no doubt the author was able to find properties that made a profit from the get-go. The basic philosophy of buy and hold is sound, although some of us have had to face negative cash flow for several years. The section on lenders and adjustable loans is great. Inspiring. I can't wait for the next recession!