Post image for Seven (MORE) Must Read Books for Real Estate Investors

Seven (MORE) Must Read Books for Real Estate Investors

by Brandon · 11 comments

  • Sumo
  • CevherShare

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”- Dr. Seuss

Several months ago I published a piece titled, “Seven Must Read Books for Real Estate Investors.” The post simply discussed, in my opinion, the best books for real estate investors and took just a few minutes to type up.  Surprisingly, this post has become one of the most popular on RealEstateInYourTwenties.com and by far the most searched term from Google. In fact, there is a good probability that you are here because of it!

However, after writing that post I realized there were so many other great real estate books out there, and limiting to just those seven was an injustice for all the other great books. So, today I want to share seven more must read books for real estate investors.

(Also, in full disclosure, if you click these links you will be brought to Amazon – and if you buy it then I get a small commission for referring you – but you still get the discounted Amazon price!  So thank you in advance!)

#1.) A Million Bucks By Thirty by Alan Corey

A Million Bucks By 30 Review Alan CoreyOne of the earliest books I read on real estate investing, A Million Bucks by Thirty became one of my favorite books because it inspired me to set the same goal. I was fortunate enough to actually have Alan Corey write an article titled “How to Save Money When Buying A Rental Property” just for RealEstateInYourTwenties.com. The book is highly entertaining, filled with great stories (such as Alan’s appearance on the Jerry Springer Show!) but still contains a plethora of good business tips and ideas for saving money. While not a “real estate book” per se, it definitely is a great read for any real estate investor.

#2.) The Real Book of Real Estate Investing by Robert Kiyosaki

The Real Book of Real Estate Investing is a collection of over 20 major real estate investors and advisors (such as accountants, lawyers, etc) who each take a chapter or two to discuss a different aspect of real estate investing. This book is HUGE and jammed pack with a lot of information. As with most Rich Dad investing books, this book focuses less on single family homes and more on large commercial investments. Probably not a top choice for beginners – but if you already have an investment portfolio and are looking to take it to the next level – check this book out.

#3.) The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

The Richest Man In Babylon ReviewBy far the oldest book in this set, “The Richest Man In Babylon” is a timeless classic that will revolutionize the way you look at money, investments, and financial freedom. It’s written in “old English” so its like reading the King James Bible, which is entertaining and forces you to read slowly (making comprehension better). The entire book is made up of “parables” – stories meant to teach a lesson in an easy-to-follow manner that is enjoyable and profound.

#4.) Making Big Money Investing In Real Estate Without Tenants, Banks, or Rehab Projects

The name itself is enough to warrant a deeper look, but the content in Making Big Money Investing In Real Estate is what will hook you. If you’ve ever wondered what a “lease option” was or a good strategy for getting into real estate without using any of your own money – this book is for you. It also contains one of the best chapters on negotiation I’ve ever read.

 

#5.) The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller

This exhaustive book on the theory behind real estate investing is a standard in anyone’s real estate investment book collection. While not rich in detailed “how to” content, it contains a wealth of information about investment strategy, networking, and thinking “big picture.”  This book is a serious read for serious investors, but still easy enough to sit for hours with and learn a ton. If you are serious about making real estate investing a permanent career choice, don’t miss this one.

#6.) Getting Things Done by David Allen

Getting Things Done - David Allen ReviewThis book has nothing to do with real estate investing – but it has everything to do with you. Getting Things Done was a groundbreaking book about organizing the components in your life and allow you to get more accomplished with less stress. As a real estate investor, you are forced to wear multiple hats and as such – you will find yourself overworked and stressed if you don’t manage those hats correctly. Getting Things Done will teach your dozens of tips and strategies to manage your day while maximizing every moment. I love this book and recommend it to anyone and everyone, regardless of your career.

#7.) The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Total Money Makeover Dave Ramsey ReviewDave Ramsey is one of the most popular financial experts in the world today, and his message of getting out of debt and saving for the future, while not completely original, resonates strong with me. Ramsey’s book, “The Total Money Makeover” defines a seven step process to build wealth and get out of the debt cycle. Ironically, I do not follow Dave Ramsey’s advice when it comes to investing in real estate (he promotes using cash only -which is great if you can save and wait) but I follow his strategies 100% when it comes to my personal finances. I included it in this list because until you can begin to get a handle on your own personal finances – you have absolutely no business investing in real estate. I don’t think you need to be rich, old, or retired to invest in real estate. You do, however, need to have a strong enough financial base to weather the storms that investing in real estate can throw at you.  Following Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover” will get you there.

 

There you go, my list of Seven (more) Must Read Books for Real Estate Investors! These books, combined with the ten listed on the last article titled “Seven Must Read books for Real Estate Investors” make up the foundation of my favorite books to help you become a better real estate investor.

What books would you add to this list? What are your favorite books for Real Estate Investors?  Write your suggestions in the comments below!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

About Brandon

has written 199 Awesome posts in this blog.

Brandon Turner (G+) is the BiggerPockets.com Senior Editor and Community Director and owner of RealEstateInYourTwenties.com. He is also an Active Real Estate Investor (Flips, Apartments, and Buy-and-Hold), Entrepreneur, World Traveler, Third-Person Speaker, and Husband. Come hang out with him on Twitter!

P.S. looking for hard money loans in California? Be sure to check out my friends over at northcoastfinancialinc.com. They have very competitive rates, can fund within a week and specialize in fix and flip loans and other hard money loans.

P.S. Looking for more real estate investing knowledge? If you are interested in a top-notch course to help you understand the nuts and bolts of creative real estate investing, I would like to recommend Ben Leybovich's Cash Flow Freedom University. Ben is a close friend and has been my trusted adviser for years. He's a smart guy and CFFU is pretty awesome. The course is waitlisted, but while you wait for an opening Ben will send you tons of FREE content. Seriously. Click here to check it out.

(yes, that's an affiliate link!)

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Megan September 20, 2012 at 2:26 am

Gary Keller’s book, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, is my favorite real estate book so far! It gives a lot of useful diagrams and forms. It was so good that I read it twice!

Reply

Brandon September 20, 2012 at 5:20 pm

Agreed, the Millionaire Real Estate Investor is one of the newer ones I’ve read. I’m actually re-reading it now because there is so much good information there! Thanks for the comment!

Reply

Tiffany September 20, 2012 at 5:10 pm

Megan, I agree. My husband and I read MREI outloud together during our first acquisition and it’s full of great advice. The one thing it seemed to leave out with regard to holding properties is factoring in 5-10% for monthly repairs. It sort of assumed if you rehabbed a house once, then that was it.

Other favorites: Rich Dad, Poor Dad because it lit my fire and opened my eyes to what real estate could do for your life (low on how-to/steps, though); Think and Grow Rich; and I just finished The Compound Effect last night by Darren Hardy, publisher of Success magazine. Great general success book about how small habits have huge results!; Invest in Debt by Jimmy Napier will make you excited about your financial calculator! And if you don’t have a good one check out the 10bii Financial Calculator app and free tutorials on http://www.inadaydevelopment.com

Reply

Brandon September 20, 2012 at 5:21 pm

I haven’t heard of “The Compound Effect” so I’ll check that out! Thanks for the suggestions!

Reply

Roselynn September 20, 2012 at 6:51 pm

Thanks for the new list of seven new titles to read. I just some of the books from the first list. I am sure, I will be making my way through more of the list of books.

Reply

Brandon September 20, 2012 at 10:02 pm

Cool Roselynn! I think the first list is more important than the second, but there are total of 17 on the two – so it should keep you busy for the next few months!

Reply

Craig September 20, 2012 at 7:39 pm

Building Wealth One House At A Time by John Schaub is one of the best.

Reply

Brandon September 20, 2012 at 10:01 pm

Awesome I’ll check it out!

Reply

Upcoming Properties In Delhi September 27, 2012 at 7:19 am

These real estate posting and information posted on web are really helpful and are of great use. Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Upcoming Properties In Delhi
Krrish

Reply

Affordable residential properties Gurgaon November 20, 2012 at 7:00 am

Superb Post. Thanks a lot for sharing this.

Reply

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: