Rating: 
Summary: Confusing but studded with gems here and there...
Review: The review stating this book is confusing in places is right on the money. I'm a second year medical student and still had to draw out diagrams and read some pages several times. The author is in Real Estate, not writing. That being said, there is a good deal to be learned here. I've read several "High Energy" Real Estate books that gloss over the potential difficulties to investing, but this book HIGHLIGHTS them and steers you clear. The recommendations about "Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure" and REOs are terrific. I would recommend this book simply on the merit of a realistic outlook to Real Estate investing.
One caveat, I own no Real Estate myself and still am in the education phase of investing, so I cannot comment on real world applicability. If you are interested in other books that have more conservative view of Real Estate, try Investing In Real Estate, 4th Edition and How to Succeed and Make Money with Your First Rental House by Douglas A. Keipper. These are very good and provide many details.
Rating:
Summary: Decent overview of foreclosure process
Review: Dallow provides a decent overview of the foreclosure process, and the attendant risks, but does not give many enlightening ideas. At least it is not some glossed over, salesy piece.
Rating:
Summary: Decent overview of foreclosure process
Review: Dallow provides a decent overview of the foreclosure process, and the attendant risks, but does not give many enlightening ideas. At least it is not some glossed over, salesy piece.
Rating: 
Summary: Much better than more popular books
Review: I don't know what the negative reviewers have read to call this book vague or undetailed. It is the MOST step-by-step, complete guide to understanding the foreclosure process and buying foreclosures available. And it doesn't rely on shady, unethical methods that attempt to hoodwink distressed homeowners and fool banks in "subject to" agreements which can put the unsuspecting investing novice into very hot water. The methods in this book are straightforward, legal, and even ethical. If you are looking at buying foreclosures to buy a home to own, to get a great deal and move up in the world, or to invest, BUY THIS BOOK!!
Rating: 
Summary: To see pros AND cons is to see reality
Review: Some of the reviewers didn't like the author's occasional negative views of potential situations. First off, there is no negative theme/undertone throughout the book--just an occasional "here's the worst case scenario of doing it this way". Unfortunately nothing he said was untrue--and to leave these things out would be negligent and might leave the unannointed to believe that there is no risk. There is CONSIDERABLE risk. You play the odds; but he does not leave you playing the odds uneducated about what the bad side is. The book is written so that any person off the street can understand it (although there are one or two instances that someone unfamiliar with real estate will have to re-read a paragraph to get the idea). This being the case, it would be outright irresponsible to NOT give examples of the worst case scenario. I found this book an EXCELLENT primer on what's involved in the process. My family has been in real estate (brokers, construction, mortgages, appraiser, assessors--you name it) for as long as I've been alive and have dealt in foreclosures. Now I've caught the bug and read this book to "fill in the gaps" potentially left when you learn by example. And if you happen to never have problems with a tenant, then you don't live in the northeast! (which is where the author did his business)
Rating:
Summary: How to Buy Foreclosed Real Estate by Darrow
Review: The author explains classic reasons for foreclosures.
i.e. marital discord He indicates that deeding a property
to the new owner can be simpler than going through the many
details of the foreclosure process. Tax sales provide a
perspective owner with the right to acquire a property when the
1-2 year statutory period for redemption has tolled. HUD homes
can be purchased for the title cost and recording the deed.
The author cautions us to inspect the property thoroughly and
do a title search. In addition, it is critical to isolate
critical repairs which can add significant value to a property.
The book is worth the price charged if you are patient and
willing to implement the techniques explained by the author.
Rating:
Summary: Seems honest, but a bit confusing
Review: The author seems to make an effort at being honest. He makes it abundantly clear that buying foreclosures is very risky, something ignored or downplayed by many other books on real estate speculation (specifically I have Tyler Hicks in mind; shame on Prentice Hall!). The book starts with why there are foreclosures, how you can contact banks for safer deals, and, if you do want to go to an auction, what to do before, during and after. There's also a chapter on the dangers of zero-down deals.While I liked the content, I found the material somewhat difficult to follow. For example, in the very first chapter the author tries to explain to you what "mortgage" really is; but after re-reading the two pages three times, I still couldn't fully grasp what he meant. Maybe it's because I'm dumb. But there are many, many other sections which are not easy to comprehend, and they are not helped by fragmented sentences and illogical since-hence conclusions. In short, I think this book is worth reading if you are thinking of doing foreclosures like I was. There are some valuable tips that can help you avoid costly pitfalls; I know first-hand what a nightmare dealing with destructive tenants and former landlords can be, and so should you.
Rating:
Summary: Seems honest, but a bit confusing
Review: The author seems to make an effort at being honest. He makes it abundantly clear that buying foreclosures is very risky, something ignored or downplayed by many other books on real estate speculation (specifically I have Tyler Hicks in mind; shame on Prentice Hall!). The book starts with why there are foreclosures, how you can contact banks for safer deals, and, if you do want to go to an auction, what to do before, during and after. There's also a chapter on the dangers of zero-down deals. While I liked the content, I found the material somewhat difficult to follow. For example, in the very first chapter the author tries to explain to you what "mortgage" really is; but after re-reading the two pages three times, I still couldn't fully grasp what he meant. Maybe it's because I'm dumb. But there are many, many other sections which are not easy to comprehend, and they are not helped by fragmented sentences and illogical since-hence conclusions. In short, I think this book is worth reading if you are thinking of doing foreclosures like I was. There are some valuable tips that can help you avoid costly pitfalls; I know first-hand what a nightmare dealing with destructive tenants and former landlords can be, and so should you.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Read this one First
Review: This book explores most of the issues involved in buying real estate. It also covers areas most people don't think of, like debt management, how to get loans, is no-down such a good idea, and how to compete against people who do this for a living, etc.
On the negative side, he's had extremely bad luck with tenants, is pretty negative about amateurs trying this, and has a pretty low opinion of people for a real estate guy. I wouldn't let this be your first book on the subject. The author thinks only "pro's" should be investors and the "nesters" (amateurs) should stay away.
Rating:
Summary: More detail would have helped.
Review: This book provides information on buying foreclosed properties and properties that are going to be foreclosed. Dallow attempts to explain the big picture of how the process works rather than simply giving you instructions. I am certain that you need the big picture to be successful in buying foreclosed properties. Unfortunately, although he tries to explain, Dallow fails to make it clear me the details of the foreclosure process. It seems like he has so much experience (50 years, he says) that he real estate seems natural to him. He no longer remembers which things are common sense for an educated reader and which things are only common sense for someone who has spent his life doing real estate. As a result he tends to spend much time reviewing pitfalls he learned through experience. These parts were useful. The sections where he sets out to explain the basics confused me. The details of how a foreclosure works just aren't there. I still don't understand how all the lien holders gets paid, who pays them, and when. I wouldn't even *think* about buying a foreclosed property without knowing these things by heart. I appreciated the cautionary tone of the book. Readers have criticized it for not displaying entrepreneurial spirit about extraordinary gains possible in real estate. People, IMHO, don't need help getting excited about the possible rewards of an investment. They do need warnings about the potential pitfalls.
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