Book Description

The inside scoop... for when you want more than the official line!

We’ve all heard stories of the millionaire real-estate tycoons who started out by scraping together enough money for a down payment on a modest first property–or so the legend goes. And we’ve all seen the books that promise to show you how to make a million dollars buying houses with no money down. But when average people like us can barely pay the mortgage or the rent, we don’t need get-rich-quick schemes or hocus-pocus–we need the inside scoop on how real estate investing can improve our lives.

The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing, Second Edition, gives savvy readers like you a foolproof appraisal of everything from the most basic concepts of real estate investing to complicated tax and financing formulations. Millions of Americans got burned when the Internet bubble burst and corporate scoundrels ran off with their retirement accounts. Now they’re discovering that real estate can be their ticket to a prosperous retirement. Fully updated to take account of new tax law changes and now including listings of current apartment owners’ associations in all 50 states, this new edition is friendlier and more comprehensive than ever. If you’re looking for a long-term investment that you can control–safe from robber barons and market swings–look no further than The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing, Second Edition.

• Vital Information on the inside world of real estate investing
• Insider Secrets on tax shelter benefits
• Money-Saving Techniques for valuing property correctly and determining its most profitable use
• Time-Saving Tips on borrowing money and discovering which investments have the potential to turn into tomorrow’s hot properties
• The Latest Trends in hot real estate investing options
• Handy Checklists and charts that help you put together a top-rate investment plan, generate cash flow, and pick the best real estate agent

Reviews (44)

Very pactical and useful information
Before buying this book, I was under the impression that in order to buy a $350,000 property, I'd have to come up with 20% down (A nearly impossible task). So I spoke with my friend's dad who already owns rental properties. To my shock, he said I only needed 3% down with an FHA loan. Skeptical, I decided to do my own research and bought this book. I just finished reading this book last night. I was very impressed by the sound advice given within. It echoed exactly what my friend's dad had told me. I have yet to buy my first four-unit rental building, but this book has given me the necessary practical guide for the rest of my life. This same time, next year, I will own a four-unit apartment with no fear. I'm 29 years old and have always wondered how do people get wealthy. Now, I know how. If you want motivation to get into real estate investing, I would suggest buying Russ Whitney's book first. If you need meat for your motivation, then the Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing is the one for you. It is very comforting to know the authors are from Southern California as well. It gives greater validity that their advice will work for me. I have no doubt that I will be re-reading this book as my wealth grows as planned.

Great self help investing book!!!
I found the book to be well organized and very easy to follow. I have purchased several properties using the information given in the book and have had great return on my money. I find myself going back over the text time and again and learning new things every time. Thank you for writing such an informative guide to real estate investing and cutting through all the hype.

Very thorough..
and indexed very well and thorough in the table of contents. Very good for reference as it is extremely easy to go to exactly where you need to from the table of contents. Covers tax implications, where to invest, what to invest in, compares and contrasts various R.E. types of properties, purchasing, due diligence and management. One of the more thorough beginners investment books I've come across.

A great begining
This book takes you step by step through finding and determining value of your real estate purchases. It is full of great information to guide you if you have never bought a piece of property before. It also has information on what you need to do once you get the porperty under contract and beyond.
A great book.

An Unexpected Book
Typically, I shy away from liking books that speak to the huge landlord and real estate investing businesses. They don't need books like this and the books only tempt small-timers to spend money that won't help them.

This book is different. It does talk about the big-timers but it also shows the small investor real ways to become big and to reduce headaches.

If you own one or two rent houses and perhaps want to add a 4-plex or more homes to your portfolio, slowly but wisely, you would be wise to read this book. Unlike some, I generally like the "Unofficial Guides" and this was no exception.

Although this won't solve your real-world every DAY problems that you face as a landlord or landlady, it does help solve a few larger problems that come up (finances are well covered) and it will encourage you to keep on doing what you do to build your empire.

Many have read (or will read) my "Managing Rental Properties for Maximum Profit" (ISBN: 0761525319) and there they get the nuts and bolts of getting in and overcoming early problems the small-time rental owner sees daily. Then, it's definitely time once you've overcome many of those problems to move up to this Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing. It's more of a reference book than a hands-on book in many places, but when you're ready for this book, you will be ready for that reference material. ... Read more

Book Description

In the Make Money series, renowned real estate investor and bestselling author Gary W. Eldred shows you how to profit from the safest, most reliable wealth builder in the world–real estate. With coverage of all the fundamentals–from finding the right properties to financing and managing them–Eldred shows you the ropes so you don’t have to learn important lessons the hard way. Unlike general guides to investing in real estate, each title in the Make Money series gives you the specialized expertise necessary to fully profit from a select investment strategy.

Make Money with Condominiums and Townhouses shows homebuyers and investors how to travel the road to real estate wealth–often with little or nothing down. As an affordable investment vehicle, condominiums and townhouses offer numerous advantages over other types of rental property–they require relatively little day-to-day management, they tend to attract more desirable tenants than other rental properties, and they offer low risk and high returns. Full of time-tested techniques and proven money-making strategies, Make Money with Condominiums and Townhouses will show you how to:

• Relax while you put your money to work
• Find properties with high rates of appreciation
• Evaluate homeowner association finances
• Choose profitable locations
• Understand the changing demographics that may affect your investment
• Finance your properties with little or no money down
• Achieve positive cash flow quickly
• Build up equity
• Understand by-laws, disclosure statements, and management contracts

Reviews (1)

A reasoned voice in the huckster crowd
My review title pretty well sums it up. Eldred presents a well reasoned argument for investing in condos. He provides solid advice on the pertinent subjects, including tenant and association selection. And he does it with an encouraging tone that doesn't digress into pie in the sky hype.

I think I'll check out some of his other work. ... Read more

Book Description

The time has never been better for investing in real estate, and this book arms the millions of investors who are returning to real estate as an established instrument of wealth creation with surefire strategies for making a killing in the real estate market.

Due to the pent-up demand for housing caused by the lull in housing starts during the 90s, as many as 11 million would-be American home-owners are currently vying for a rapidly dwindling pool of available properties. In Buy, Rent, and Sell Bob Irwin, one of America’s most well-known and respected real estate author/experts,provides nuts-and-bolts advice and guidance on how to find good investment properties, how to successfully rent them, and how to quickly turn them around for aprofit. Written in Irwin’s trademark down-to-earth, jargon-free style, Buy, Rent, and Sell is an indispensable guide for novices as well as experienced real estate investors. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Easy to read, straight forward advice.
I found this book to be very helpful, concise and well written. It didn't include a lot of "pie in the sky" rhetoric and I felt that the author was honest and experienced. He concentrates on the stuff a new or just beginning investor would need to know and mostly explains working with single family homes with a little bit about multi family dwellings.

Chapters are broken down into topics and Irwin adds little "tips" and lists through out the book.

I happen to have a big three ring notebook on real estate investing that my mother bought off a tv commerical sitting on the shelf while I was reading this, so I skimmed through it. It seemed to me if you left out the hype, the cheerleading, and the dozens of "how to do it with very creative means" I found in the high dollar package basically stated the same advice and observations that Irwin includes in this book at a much lower price and a much easier read.

The only downside, and thus the 4 instead of 5 star, is that it is written just a little too much on the light side, but of course Irwin suggests some of his other books to make up the lack. Good marketing. I'll probably buy some of his other books myself...

Great Intro Book
Solid, basic info for beginning RE investors. Mr. Irwin covers all the basic info you need to get started. You will probably need additional resources to give you detailed info on specific subjects, but Bob will get you pointed in the right direction. I would recommend "Investing In Real Estate" Mclean & Eldred; 3rd ed, as a companion piece. Overall, an excellent book. Easy to read and understand.

This book rocks!
For a novice, this book is absolutely incredible....
It is informative and SO EASY to understand. Empowering and practical! Everything about the basics.

Great intro and overview
I have purchased a couple of my own investment homes and my father-in-law also has owned several rental units for a number of years, and I found this book helpful. He covers many of the basic things you need to consider and also covers financial implications such as taxes.

He covered things like expenses during rehabilitation that would be easy not to detail, so scores points for that. He also takes the time to explain depreciation and the resulting capital gains in enough detail that you won't be surprised when you talk to your accountant.

He also provides good data on one of the most important aspects of residential investing: screening tenants. Lots of good ideas are presented here to help minimize the risk with poor tenants who can ruin your investment.

Additionally, he hits all the usual bases for finding investment properties and covers some of the negotiation strategies for purchasing these properties. He's clearly done this a time or two and works to give you a good intro. He does leave you feeling like there's more to it that he should be telling you, but I suppose it's difficult to get all his years of experience purchasing properties into one or two chapters.

If you're looking into residential real estate investing, read this book. But also read others so you have a well-rounded perspective and gain more details that aren't shared here.

Good intro to buying homes, but. . .
Overall, I thought that this book was very helpful and contained good information for someone considering investing in real estate. The author appears to have had success with landlording and knows his real estate market well.

One (understandable) problem with the book is that Mr. Irwin is writing based on his personal experience in what sounds like the southwest in a booming real estate market. One point that he makes several times is to pay for water bills, so the tenants won't be tempted to save money by not watering the yard, thus causing serious landscaping damage. This is really not applicable in the north or where there is significant rainfall.

An underlying belief of Irwin's is that it is difficult to find properties whose income can cover all their expenses, and that the real money comes in selling for a profit. Accordingly, much of the book concentrates on flipping properties and other real estate maneuvers that are usually only successful/necessary in tight markets. In general the book advocates a high risk philosophy of investing, advising the reader to use the bank's money make money as much as possible. I thought the inherent risks of this way of doing things were not fully explained in the book.

Additionally, he advises to stay away from old houses which he classifies as older than 25 years. I laughed as I read that, as virtually all of the houses in the town I bought my house in are between 60-120 years old. 25 year old houses are considered spring chickens where I'm from!

The last weakness of the book is that it seems to overestimate ease of determining the "true" value of a house. It takes a LOT of looking at houses and checking final sale prices to say with much certainty what a property is worth.

This review may sound relatively harsh, but for the amount of time it took me to read this book I found it helpful. I would wholeheartedly recommend the book for a beginner in a rental market similar to the author's market. However, for someone in a region similar to mine (the depressed real estate market of Troy, NY) you may want to check for some other similar books. And for all I would advise to stay away from the higher priced "Make your fortune in real estate" packages advertised on TV and such. Real estate information is most efficiently conveyed in paperback books like this one - in straightforward text without motivational speaking or overly unrealistic portrayals of the real estate world. ... Read more

Book Description

Start Building Wealth Today by Investing in Distressed Properties!

Combining proven strategies with nearly thirty years’ experience in real estate, author George Achenbach takes you step by step through the entire foreclosure process–from the first notice of default to the foreclosure sale or auction to the final disposition of the property. Everything you need to know to purchase and profit from distress properties is here, including sample forms, worksheets, checklists, and real-life examples, as well as procedures to follow, evaluation techniques, and negotiating tips. There are even suggestions on leasing homes, creating rental income, saving on taxes, and avoiding pitfalls. Additionally, a new chapter covers the pros and cons of bankruptcy and highlights the latest proposed changes in the law such as the homestead exemptions and needs-based rules.

Goldmining in Foreclosure Properties shows investors and first-time buyers how to take advantage of one of the most profitable investment opportunities in the world with expert guidance on:

• Procedures for locating distressed properties
• Financial analysis techniques for evaluating property and making the right offer
• Bidding successfully at auctions
• Effectively dealing with lenders when the property goes REO
• How you can benefit from reselling property quickly
• Negotiating tips for dealing with new purchasers and profitably transferring titles
• Generating rental income, capital appreciation, and tax savings through property leasing

Reviews (11)

A great place to start in Real Estate Investing
This book help me get staarted in Real Estate. I bought my first house as a Pre Foreclosure and made a $ 20,000.00 dollar profit. A great place to start.

Useful, solid, no-hype information. This book is worth it.
No one book is perfect. Read as much as you can before putting your money at risk, but do NOT exclude this book. It is the best of at least 10 that I've read recently.

This is an author who's really done it, over and over. He gives details of his own examples in buying and selling, carrying paper, renting and rehabing. He's creative and honest. This is a hands-on, non-theoretical approach.

There's absolutely no hype and he spends zero time trying to convince you how great he is (or how much you need to buy this or that seminar/tape/etc.) This book is straight forward, good information about finding and buying distressed properties, then rehabing or renting or selling or creative deal-making with them for profit.

Some of the information seems slightly dated and many of his examples were deals probably not so recent. The book has some typos and reversed photos (of the condo where the house discussion is and vica-versa). Nonetheless, I never felt a lack of relevance in the material. Its not perfect, but its very good.

Foreclosure is not an easy subject, but this is a keeper...
George Achenbach, has written other real estate books under the names Val Cabot and Lee Crown. He has been a builder of 7,000 houses and a buyer of foreclosed properties. He tells of his sucesses as well as his unsucessful ventures into the foreclosure world. His book has pictures of and descriptions of the various foreclosure cases with which he has been involved. His book is written from the prespective of somebody who actually worked foreclosures for many years. This is not the easiest area of real estate investment to work, but through deligence and perserverance the rewards can be extremely lucrative. There are other books on foreclosure, but I can't think of any that are as good. Over 50,000 copies of this book have been sold and with good reason. There are a lot of PRETENDERS in the foreclosure field with books and course that have high promises and little substance. George Auchenbach is the REAL Deal. He's done foreclosure investing for many years and has written an easy to read layman book on foreclosure.
My only criticism is that some aspects are dated. The cases in the book stretch back over the 30+ year career of the author and therefore some of the dollar amounts and the years of the transactions are old. However the principles and lessons learned from the author's experiences are timeless. This is best book on foreclosure that I've read, but I'm still looking for something better, that perfect book. If I could I would have rated it 4.5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone interested in buying foreclosure real estate.

Vague, outdated info
This book reminds me of the joke "How to Make a Million Dollars and Never Pay Taxes". Step 1: First you get a million dollars.

All the info was about that useful.

This Book is a Goldmine of Information!
Very informative and well written, great resource for foreclosure knowledge. ... Read more

Book Description

Helpful Advice for Protecting Your Tenants and Your Investment!

As appealing and lucrative as property ownership can be, it isn’t an occupation to be learned through trial and error. It’s essential property owners understand all the ins and outs—legally and financially—for their own welfare as well as their tenants. Streetwise® Landlording and Property Management addresses all aspects of the business, from the practical to the strategic.

Decide If Property Management Is Right for You

Property management is a 24/7 job with high risks as well as rewards. Streetwise® Landlording and Property Management helps you assess whether or not you’re cut out for the job.

·Do you have the right personality for managing property?

·What are the pros and cons of buying and managing property?

·How do you determine the possible investment risks?

·What does it take to buy and sell real estate?

How to Be a Good Landlord

Landlording demands equal parts business and people savvy. Streetwise® Landlording and Property Management gives insights from expert authors who have firsthand experience.

·Dealing with all types of tenants

·Handling maintenance emergencies

·Managing multiple properties

Protect Your Investments

There is always concern that something may go wrong. Streetwise® Landlording and Property Management shows you ways of protecting your investments and preventing any major catastrophes, including:

·What type of insurance you may need

·How to financially structure your business

·How to find a good accountant, lawyer, and financial advisor

Handle the Details with Ease

There are dozens of tax, legal, and financial issues that you will have to deal with when you own property.Streetwise® Landlording and Property Management outlines the most efficient ways to deal with all of these issues.

·Local, state, and federal taxes

·Handling city ordinances

·Leases and contracts

·How to apply for a loan ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Very Helpful
There are many books that I have read that discuss the how's and why's of managing property, but this book is pretty darn complete when it comes to "the real life situation" of owning and managing properties. I am looking for a deal now and think that many tips and the advice the author has in this volume is relable and written well. I have had similar tenant situations and was reminded of how important it is to listen to complaints before over reacting to the crys of the tenant. Just the other day I had a tenant complain of rodents in her unit and as the tenant complained and complained I realized that all she wanted was to be let out of her lease early. The fictious mice she complained about was really a ploy for me to know she was ready to move. I've had hundreds of similar situations where tenants have tried to manipulate me. I'm glad I didn't call the exterminator and spend $ to destroy imaginary mice. I tell this story to express the similarities I've had in owning propety too. Cudos Mr. Weiss...keep up the good work. from a Fan!

The most useful book I've found
When I decided to invest in real estate the first thing I did was research what source material I would start with. Through looking at reviews and finally through going to the bookstore and looking at all the books I'd found through research the Weiss book looked to be the best, and when I took it home and went through it in depth it proved to be a very complete, very useful book that has helped facilitate my real estate business.

The book's strength is in its specific, concrete examples and advice: you can read this book and from there move on to specific steps that will lead to well-informed business decisions. Rather than getting too specific or being too general, it provides an broad outline (everything from starting a partnership to selecting property and management) that gives you enough information to start with, and direction on where to go for more.

An excellent book: I look forward to buying his book on flipping properties when it comes out.

Not for beginners
This book is good, but the book's content doesn't match the title. This book wasn't written for people who have never owned any piece of property. The book tells you a couple of nice loopholes and hidden fees most first time landlords will get hit hit with out the blue, but that is it! They have whole sections about owning 30 and 40 resident apartment buildings which is something 9 out of 10 people that read this book will not be doing for years. A lot of the advice that they give such as get a lawyer and someone to look at the property before you buy it is common sense. This book also doesn't go into great detail about taxes and how to set the correct rent level like I thought it would. This book is good for a general overview, but that is about it.

I love this book!
I have owned rental apartment buildings for some years in suburban Chicago. I heard Mark B. Weiss on radio have seen him on TV as well as seen his name on many investment properties in Chicago. I always felt I could do better as a landlord so I read his book and boy does it hit home! I had to chuckle at parts that are so true to life. Friends often corner me and as me about secrects to success in purchasing and running invetsment properties. I'm going to give them this book as a refrence guide. Landlording is complete with parables, stories, examples and refrences. Anyone and everyone should be able to benifit from this Great Great work.

Don't Buy Unless You're a Broker
If you're a big-time broker, this book is for you!

For the rest of us, I just cannot believe how many texts are out here that speak to such a small segment.

Most people who need advice are those of us with only a handful of properties. We need help getting tenants, getting rid of bad tenants, and finding the best properties and locations. ... Read more

Book Description

A simple proven method for improving cash flow so you can live rent-free and retire early

How to Invest in Condominiums provides a simple, low-risk blueprint for building cash flow by buying and renting out condominiums. You can provide for your retirement or improve your monthly income by investing in income-producing real estate at a very low risk to the capital you invest. Unlike stocks and bonds, real estate is immune to inflation and a fluctuating stock market and also provides some shelter from taxes–and the return on investment typically exceeds that of the average Wall Street investor!

The author includes a plan for getting started and a detailed record of his investments that shows how he grew a considerable cash flow–with only a small commitment of time and effort. This straightforward, realistic guide will help you:

• Use this method to establish long-term cash flow
• Avoid owning a money-losing rental unit
• Use professional property management to save time and money
• Avoid "fixer-uppers" v Keep your long-run effort minimal
• Live rent-free and retire early!

How to Invest in Condominiums is a reliable and realistic way to supplement your income. There are no gimmicks and no strings attached and this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a long-term plan that will help you meet–and surpass–your long-term goals. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

I didn't know investing like this was possible
Easy? Free lunch? We know that's not possible but this book seems to have a foundation that leans favorably in that direction. A simple enough plan with a simple enough philosophy in an easy to read layout. This book opened my eyes (and potentially soon my wallet) to an investment strategy I hadn't even thought of. The icing on the cake is that it's easy to read and flows nicely. For anyone interested in where they want to put their money and have it grow with minimal risk this is worth checking out.

A real eye-opener for a new investor!
An absolute MUST-READ for renters, owners and investors! Virsnieks' book was a real eye-opener for me as a beginner, taking the scariness out of investing in real esate. He describes his very safe, easy, painless and patient step-by-step method he developed personally for buying one condominium at a time to slowly build up a real estate portfolio. His conversational tone makes his book fun to read. Buy it and read it, it will change your whole outlook on investing!

Why didn't I read this 10 years ago?
This book is so easy to read and understand. After watching my stocks loose all of their gains from the last 10 years almost over night, I determined to use this investment formula for my future. The plan is straight foreword and can be applied any where you live. I have already purchased my first rental and it is paying for itself.

virsnieks rocks
This is a very informative book. One of the great things about it is that the author provides his own personal investment story along with complete details on each investment. In other words, this is not mere theory, it is actual history that can be replicated by the savy reader and investor. While he was located in Seattle, I believe that any mid-sized to large city in the country (Atlanta, Phoenix, etc.) would provide the same condo investment climate today.

No risk investing
This is the best book for the beginning investor and for all those who ned a place to live. The author of "How to Invest in Condominiums" bought his first condominiumum as a residence rather than throw away money on rent. Hence the first principle of is invest plan to invest in a place that you yourself would live in. The second principle, as I see it, is do the research and make sure that most of the units are owner occupied. This will insure pride of ownership and ensure that your investment is protected by all the other owners. I am recommending this to book to my friends in San Diego. Those who invested or bought condominiums in 1997 are now very happy. Those who rented and invested in the booming 1997 stockmarket are now crying ower spilt milk. Even for those who are not investors but need a place to live this book is an excellent easy to follow guide to fiscal security. This is a risk free, insofar as life can be risk free, and can't lose investment guide. ... Read more

Book Description

Written with the local investor in mind, Cummings' quick and easy blueprint for success is structured in the step-by-step, ready-to-apply format that has made the 36-Hour Series so popular with readers. Each information-packed chapter contains learning objectives, key terms and concepts, common questions with straightforward answers, study and review sections, and a variety of case studies that aptly illustrate how real estate investing works in the real world. There is also a "final exam" at the end of the book that readers may complete and send in to receive a Certificate of Achievement. Offering readers the benefits of his extraordinary, decades-long track record, Cummings delivers the rock-solid knowledge they need to get started, as well as the astute insights they need to move forward quickly. Finally, as a tireless and widely respected promoter of his work, Jack Cummins boasts extensive contacts both in the media and in his own field. Put it all together and The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Real Estate Investing Course is certain to find a prominent place on bookshelves all across America. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

3 1/2 stars
Should be titled "36-hour How To Become A Real Estate Insider." Covers very little on actual investing, mainly on how to meet the mover and shakers of your local real estate community. The type of thing you need to know to move up to the next level. Not the types of things you need to know if you are going to buy some rental houses. If you want to become a developer you would want to read this.

Absolutely stellar - must get!!
This book is a fantastic addition to any real estate investment library. It eloquently covers the process of economic conversion and the effect of public offices on real estate valuation. This is NOT a book to stand alone, it covers next to nothing about many of the key areas of real estate investing. It focuses almost entirely on how to get a feel for what is happening to the property you own, or what might happen to a property you wish to purchase. It covers this area in great detail, however and I have not seen another book which even touches on this aspect of the business. It clearly stands alone in this field.

A good supplementary guide to real estate investing
This is an informative book and it helps the reader to set up a system to tackle real estate investing and in particular income producing properties. New information is listed and discussed in a clear and concise manner. It teaches the potential investor how to establish connections with local authorities and then how to gain more information via those relationships. It also gives you a lot of in depth information on real estate terms, ways to increase properties value, how to evaluate properties, and so on.

The book is divided into 4 parts with each part answering to a question: Part I - How to Get Started in Real Estate Investing, Part II - How and Why Property Values Go Up and Down and What you can do about it, Part III - How to Find the Right Property to Buy, and Part IV - How to Buy and Sell Real Estate for a Profit.

The only problem with this book is that it does not teach the new investor how to form a strategy or a framework to use all the great information in the book. (If you want help on creating a strategy or framework, check out Luigi Salvaneschi's book- "Location, Location, Location: How to select the best site for your business" (Luigi's book is more geared towards the retail industry, but its methodical approach in getting and analyzing data for your chosen location is, I think, still relevant.)

Otherwise, this is a great reference manual with a lot of objective insights and useful information. Highly recommend.

Not for Beginners
I do not think this is good book for beginners. This book does not truely teach you how to "Start your Investing".

Mr. Cummings does go into great detail to explain local government and real estate professionals and how to contact them. I would recommend this book to seasoned investors who want to broaden their investment value rating systems and fine tune their operations. For me, it provided a couple of ideas on how to sharpen my own investments. I have invested in Real Estate Multi-families for four years now and may be able to put some of this book into practice.

Beginners should look for a book that focuses more on the individual, their comfort level, and finding their first property.

Good, Common Sense Overview
Good common sense overview of the issues and mechanisms available for investing in real estate. This book touches on a lot of good topics, but can be confusing in places. It's a good primer for furhter reading. Well worth the money. ... Read more

Book Description

Everything the savvy investor needs to turn huge profits at very low risk in undervalued properties

Steve Berges's "Complete Guides" are among the most recognized brands in real estate investment--always one of the hottest topics on the business bookshelf. In The Complete Guide to Investing in Undervalued Properties, Berges shows yous how to beat rising real-estate prices by identifying sought-after undervalued properties ahead of the pack. Then, he demonstrates how to take control of these properties at very low risk to turn very high profits. You will learn how to:

• Mine traditional and nontraditional sources for undervalued properties
• Conduct the all-important property valuation
• Gain control of undervalued properties using purchase option investing
• Increase property value instantly
• Offer the property to a new buyer at a huge profit

Book Description

One of America's most trusted real estate experts tells how to make a killing in real estate using other people's money

"Irwin is a prolific writer on real estate, and among the best."

--USA Today

This latest book from real estate guru Robert Irwin is a complete, step-by-step guide for newcomers to no-money-down real estate investment. It's also a source of fresh insights and guidance for experienced investors looking for solutions to problems that can arise

with the no-money-down approach. Written for today's robust market, How to Invest in Real Estate with Little or No Money Down tells readers how to:

• Get the seller to finance the purchase
• Research and analyze fixer-uppers and finance the purchase and the renovations
• Find and buy rental properties as solid long-term investments
• Locate good investments in high-priced markets and get sellers to accept lowball offers
• Cope with no-down investing negatives, including negative cash flow, high maintenance and repairs, and time demands

Book Description

Benefit from the outstanding investment opportunities that currently exist in the REIT industry

The growth of REITs as an asset class has created an excellent opportunity for small investors to participate in the ownership of institutional-quality real estate. Are you ready to help your clients make the most of this opportunity?

J.K. Lasser Pro Real Estate Investment Trusts thoroughly explains the nature of REITs and explores how this investment vehicle can be integrated and implemented into almost any client’s portfolio. This invaluable resource discusses the benefits and performance characteristics of REITs and includes a chapter on each of the following forms of REITs available, including:

• Residential REITs
• Manufactured home community REITs
• Office REITs
• Industrial property REITs
• Retail REITs
• Hotel property REITs
• Health care REITs
• Self-storage REITs
• Specialized, diversified, and mortgage REITs

Filled with practical guidance, vital information, and in-depth interviews with some of the most respected individuals in the REIT industry, J.K. Lasser Pro Real Estate Investment Trusts is a valuable road map to an investment vehicle that can help you stabilize and grow any investor’s portfolio.

Please visit our Web site at www.jklasser.com ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent Survey of Equity REITS But It Has Limitations.
This book is an excellent survey of the world of equity REITS. And it does sum up the value of buying each type of equity REIT. But if you're looking for a book which shows you how to invest in REITS and how to analyze the figures of a REIT, this isn't the book.

I also was hoping to find information on Mortgage REITS. There was only a paragraph or two on the subject --- certainly not enough information on this topic.

This book is geared more toward the analyst or someone with a tremendous amount of experience in REITS. It assumes you have a good background in REIT investing. And it certainly does not cover the entire field of REITS.

So it depends upon your needs as to whether or not this book would be a good addition to your investing library. I personally got three bits of information out of it that were worth the cost of the book. But I could have probably gotten the information elsewhere free.

Susanna K. Hutcheson
Executive Copy Director and Owner
Powerwriting.com LLC

Great Survey Of The REIT World
This book provided a great overview of the REIT industry. As an analyst, I found the summary data at the end of each chapter most useful. I also liked the interviews with the real estate titans, such as Sam Zell, they added a practical dimension to the "hard data" in the book. I picked-up some good practical insights from the interviews. It's a substantial but easy to read book.

A Must Read for Financial Planners and Seasoned Investors...
This is a great guide for the sophisticated investor or financial planner looking to learn more about investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts. Mr. Imperiale outlines the history and characteristics of REITs as well as how investment portfolios can benefit from exposure to REITs. The interviews with succesful real estate investment professionals is also very insightful. This is a must read for the skilled investor considering purchasing REITs!

An Excellent Guide For the Wise Investor . . . .
Richard Imperiale's book is a must read for the conservative investor considering real estate investment to substantially expand, strengthen, and increase the value of the assests in his or her current investment portfolio. . Mr. Imperiale's advice and strategies are sound for the investor seeking both short and long term investment portfolio gains. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by real estate professionals, this book assembles the most comprehensive overview of real estate principles available. It uses an array of intriguing topics which covers the numerous issues that give real estate its distinctive flavor. In this edition all exhibits, tables and boxes have been updated or replaced with current material. Contains a thorough treatment of the growing implications of institutional (pension fund) investment in commercial real estate. Also discusses Clinton economics and the new tax law. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

one of the few serious texts
available on this subject, unlike the many get-rich-quick books that clog up searches on the subject. this book is for students who are planning a carreer in commercial real estate investment or finance. this book is not for people who have money to invest and are looking for hands-on techniques to make money.

Modern Real Estate, uh, fishing.
The sun dropped into the alders, a chill fell into the air, and the trout rose to the surface of the dappled oxbow like matrons leering through a picture window at a shirtless workman. "Hark, if we don't get a move on, we'll have to paddle the damned canoe in the dark"!" These words hung in the humid air, and the lost campers knew the Grizzly would be on them, inescapable, like fog overcoming a beach. Even the trout knew, sadly, that these god-forsaken souls would be dead by morning. They mouthed mute prayers beneath the surface, beseeching god in heaven to protect the souls doomed to perish in the most unspeakable of deaths. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great for everyone from home buyer/sellers to investors
This book has some great ideas and techniques on how to negotiate real estate and make the deals go smoothly and profitably for you. Allows you know how and when to be aggressive and when other stances would be more effective. A great book for anyone interested in real estate or planning to buy or sell a home. ... Read more

Book Description

From the bestselling author of Tips and Traps When Buying Your Home

Robert Irwin has been one of the nation's top real estate authors for more than 20 years. His 1991 bestseller, How to Find Real Estate Bargains, continues to be one of themost popular guides to finding real estate bargains and buying them at rock-bottom prices. Thoroughly updated and revised, this new edition is for reader in the market for a bargain home for themselves or as an investment for resale profit.

Irwin fills readers in on everything they need to know to quickly decide if a property's potential payoff outweighs its risks. With nearly 50 percent all-new material, the second edition features new chapters on:

• All types of repos, including HUD, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, FDIC, GSA, and SBA
• Property tax, ATF and IRS, p robate, bare land, and Recreational property sales
• Finding bargain properties in strong markets by working directly with sellers
• Using the Web to find the hottest bargains

Reviews (6)

not a lot of hype
Robert Irwin seems to generate a wellspring of books filled with good advice about buying and investing in residential real estate. He has an urbane way of cutting out the hype that can fascinate but obscure realities for buyers and sellers. Like a good uncle, he doesn't tell you not to do it - he points out some strategies for protecting yourself from the abyss. He paints a picture of the effort you'll need, and lets you make the right choice. For example, he points out that some sheriffs' foreclosures allow the defaulters 60 days to pay up and reclaim the property even after you win the auction, and that you shouldn't begin your repairs until then. He reveals that For Sale by Owner properties are most often overpriced, so you may need to make too many inquiries before you succeed.

Irwin's investment practice is in California. Therefore, some of his advice doesn't hold up in other areas. Trust deeds, in which the seller holds the deed until the buyer's payments are complete, are not allowed in Pennsylvania, for example. Sellers would sometimes disappear after the buyer had invested many payments, leaving the buyer difficult recourse to the deed.

His updated chapter on government foreclosures is informative, although he states there is no chance for inspection. This is not quite accurate. You may not have a chance before you bid, especially in a hot market, but the contracts of HUD and Freddie Mac provide for an inspection contingency. Although you can't bargain on the "as-is" sales, you can withdraw entirely if the fixups are overwhelming. It's not much different from our private residential experiences in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and Florida, with the exception that in ordinary practice in these areas you may be able to renegotiate the price when the inspection reveals unfavorable conditions.

I especially enjoyed his explosion of the old saw that location is most important. As he pointed out, it may be true if you are buying a house to live in, but if you're investing, price and market would come first. A poor or unsuitable location can sometimes have its advantages.

A unique aspect is the coverage of ethics, done gently, in the form of honesty is the best policy. Taking all the short-term advantages while hurting others will lead to lack of trust and a bad name, which will diminish your opportunities in the long run.

We will soon be reading his new book, "Tips and Traps When Renovating Your Home." We think we can learn something useful about reducing our remodeling costs.

Nancy & Arnold Lapidus

Excellent Overview of the Process...
I found this book very informative and to the point. Unlike many "how to get rich" authors, Irwin stays more on the task than on the "rah-rah" stuff. His tips and traps make good references for the uninitiated investor or purchaser. Best of all, his style is smooth and easy to read. If you're looking for a good "getting started" book, this is it.

From San Francisco Chronicle
#10 of year's 10 top real estate books. This survey book explains how to profit from virtually all bargain properties, such as foreclosures, probates, government property sales, REO (real estate owned by lenders) and other distressed-property situations. Emphasis is on low-cash purchase methods, along with methods for discovering these often-obscure realty bargains. by Robert J. Bruss

Good introduction, but very general
Instead of explaining the details of "How" you will find bargains, Mr.Irwin mostly gives you a general overview of different bargain opportunities. This is not a step by step guide on how and where to find the bargains.

But the book does a good service in explaining the possible risks involved with each bargain property.

To the unitiated, this book may help you decide which bargain avenue to specialize in and investigate further (REO, distressed property, foreclosure, etc...) Otherwise, it is quite useless.

The chapters on financing, starting with a shoestring, and purchasing property in a falling market are dated (Resolution Trust Corporation - isn't it disolved???) or mostly motivational ("... if you really need to raise cash for a terrific deal, then in most cases you'll find the money.").

I liked this book and would recommend it as an introduction to investing, a book to give you an idea of different methods to investing. But if you need a "how-to" book, keep researching other books and attending investor meetings.

I started my 2nd home business,"Real Estate Investing"
I decided to kickstart my own 2nd homebase business,"Real Estate Investing",after reading this book. As a first time real estate investor, I found myself having steps to finding my first property and researching the property. After reading this book, I went to my 2 local county records office and retreived my first list of real estate properties going into foreclosure. I knew more about beginnng investments in property than most other people, who have been doing this for years. This books also tells you how to watch out for downfalls of investing, which is very important when you're taking these risks. I constantly read it and make notes from it, when I go on my property searches. By reading this book first, it definitely gave me some guidelines before investing in any property, so that I wouldn't have to give the shirt off my back after I signed on the dotted line. ... Read more

Book Description

Dolf de Roos’ Real Estate Investor’s College

Real Estate Investing for Everyone
Presented by Dolf de Roos

The Deal of the Decade comes along every week. Are you free Monday?

Make a date for financial independence by enrolling in Dolf de Roos’ Real Estate Investor’s College on audio compact disc. Let property investment guru Dolf de Roos demonstrate insider techniques and field-tested strategies designed to maximize property value for all levels of real estate investors, as he shows just how frequently unique opportunities present themselves to those in the know. The Property Investor’s School on 10 CDs provides a dynamic audio record of Dolf’s mentoring sessions previously available only in-person, to only 10 students per year. Real Estate Riches on 3 CDs abridges the New York Times and Wall Street Journal print bestseller to create a portable audio compendium of how-to tips for creating property income. Finally, sit in on Discussions with Dolf, a DVD bonus comprising an international question-and-answer session featuring specific real estate queries from program participants. Covering everything from lenders to leases; tradespeople to tenants, Dolf de Roos’ Real Estate Investor’s College is your graduate course in financial security!

Location, location, vocation: financial freedom through real estate, the Dolf de Roos way!

Property Investor’s School (10 compact discs) The professionally produced audio recordings of the acclaimed, live, two-day real estate mentoring program previously available to only 10 students a year! Guiding you through a complete overview of Dolf de Roos’ approach to the real estate investment process, the Property Investor’s School offers the complete curriculum for financial freedom, from purchase to profit!

Course highlights:
• Spotting property with a below-value "twist"
• Property analysis for a personal fit
• Staking your territory & where to search
• Choosing a realtor
• Lender approval for purchase price plus
• No-fail mortgage application
• Purchase & Sale clauses that work for you!
• Offers with seller appeal
• The Offer: yield a bit, or stand your ground?
• Settlement & possession structure
• Proposals for finance
• Managing for profit
• Ensuring that tradespeople do your jobs first
• Commercial vs. residential property
• Cutting non-performing tenants loose

Real Estate Riches:
How to Become Rich Using Your Banker’s Money (3 compact discs) The author-approved abridged version of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, now on audio CD. With a running time of approximately 3 hours, Real Estate Riches is the comprehensive, critically acclaimed audio reference providing field-tested techniques for creating wealth through property.

Audio book highlights:
• Why real estate is exponentially better than other investments
• Finding the real estate "Deal of the Decade" every week!
• Increasing property value with tiny expenditures
• Employing tax law to subsidize your investment
• Using your lender’s money to create passive income for yourself

DVD BONUS!
Discussions with Dolf
A unique digital video disc forum offering real-life answers to specific real estate queries posed by program participants around the globe, Discussions with Dolf provides continuing real estate education in an illuminating Q & A format.

60 MINUTES

A promise for your financial future, from best-selling author and real estate expert Dolf de Roos:
"You will learn both basic and advanced techniques, and many small, smart things that can increase your ability to select, negotiate, buy, finance, and manage properties to help you become prosperous through property investment. However, we also take the human element into account, so that you can become a powerful force to be reckoned with in property. Learn how to use leverage to develop a passive income so that you no longer have to work. Find out not only how to build wealth, but how to enjoy it ... Read more

Book Description

This exceptionally comprehensive sourcebook answers the toughest questions about basic investmnet strategies... understanding real estate values... renting versus owning... dealing with brokers... buying and selling a home, co-op, condo, vacation property, raw land, rental property, and income-producing property... and foreclosures. It shares proven negotiation techniques and real estate management and tax tips, and it easily explains the math required to speedily compare competing investment properties on the basis of depreciation, loan to value ratios, and capital gains. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Sourcebook covering strategies, techniques, and more.
A sourcebook in question/answer format, covering strategies, techniques, calculations and more ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides an economic and ecnonometric analysis of real estate investment and real estate market behavior.Wang examines fluctuations in the real estate business to reveal the mechanisms governing the interactions between the industry and other sectors of the economy. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

How to buy land cheap
Disappointing!After much time and much searching for cheap land the author's way, I came up with ZIP!Nothing I found was as cheap as the book's examples.It was a waste of my time...so much so that I had to come back and say so.The rules have changed, real estate is changed, and the good deals are just not there.I'm really disappointed after spending so much for the book.I tried in the areas the book suggested.I even live in one of the areas the book suggested as being a good area to try.I'm not picky either.I just can't spend a fortune on property, and since I don't have a bundle, the properties in this real estate boom economy, are out of my reach.The book promised to deliver the strategies to get the reader cheap land.It failed to do so.

By far the best
This book is the best book i have found for buying land cheap.
A few weeks after i purchased this book i bought i acre of land seven miles from the Candian border for [70.00] free and clear .
This is better than buying all those courses for hundreds of dollars .

Techniques that work, period.
I have been a tax foreclosed property investor for just over two years now and wish I would have found this book earlier!

All of the techniques thatI use to find cheap land, and even some that I have never thought ofbefore, are all in this book. Residentially zoned building lots for between$5.00 and $100.00 are available to anyone willing to use the techniquesspelled out in this informative book. Large acreage can also be acquiredcheaply and with relative ease.

This book is actually more of a manual onacquiring all types of cheap land, listing each technique individually andthen tying in the overall ideas about acquiring county and state ownedproperty very neatly in the end.

If you are looking to make some money onthe side buying, selling or trading this niche type of investment property,or if you are just looking for a place to go camping each you that you cancall you own, this is the book for you!

Informative, Easy to Read, But Too Brief
With only 124 pages not counting the glossary and several lists and white space, this is one of the easiest books to read.There is good information, but the depth applied to each subject is not enough.Thechapter on Canadian land was different and not commonly written about,especially in the states.The author whets your appetite and leaves yourwanting more. And that was my slight disappointment with "How to BuyLand Cheap".I have seen land bought for $1 and a house bought for$50 (including the land), so I know that what Mr. Preston write of is notonly possible but true.Every word is believable and there is no fluff,boasting or exaggeration in this book.The author is not blowing his ownhorn or trying to sell other products.Although refreshing and insightful,this book is a primer and geared for the beginner.And since the 50 stateshave 50 different laws and rules, some of the information may not be thecase in some states.I liked the book and the price is reasonable but Ijust felt that the book was too short.More advanced readers will find thelack of depth boring and superficial.This Fifth Edition text hasobviously been updated and the author is correct in stating that thingschange and bargain real estate purchase methods change.Just ashomesteading is no longer a viable option so has the RTC (Resolution TrustCorp.) gone away.The suggestion of using the United National catalog isone that I had used myself as a source of regional information at a cheapcost.I've said it before, but buying land sight unseen in the era oftoxic waste dumps, wetlands, under ground storage tanks, and all the othernatural and man made diasters is foolhardy.Even a trash pile on a farmhas been known to contain empty containers of weed killer or insecticidethat are toxic.The author is correct in stressing that you do yourresearch. I recommend this book but not only to beginners and with thecaveat that it doesn't cover the topics to the depths that I would haveliked.This book started as a phamphlet, today it is either a longphamphlet or a short book.I applaud the authors reference publicationlists as so many authors don't share their sources.Mr. Preston write in adown to earth style, easily understood giving the reader the feeling thathe knows his subject and has done it himself. His title is excellent andthe good book could have been excellent with more details, more depth, andmore stories of sucess.

Gets right to the point of buying cheap land.
I liked this book because it got "right to the point". No hype, but just facts. There we're no claims that you were going to get a million dollar lot of land for $100. It told you what to expect. I've read thistype of information elsewhere, but never comprised in one text. The authorpresented several routes along with addresses to find and buy cheap landthroughout the U.S. and Canada, although Canadian land is more difficult topurchase (as the book claims). Very easy reading, and extremely affordablebook. ... Read more

Book Description

This authoritative guide shows you how to comparative shop complex loan deals so that you can demand the best mortgage for your family.

Topics include:
• How to evaluate your loan needs
• What to look out for when a loan agent asks for your information
• Translations of all loan officer jargon to help you avoid misunderstandings and financial commitment traps. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Inside information on geting a mortgage
Mortgage Insider Information

Whether you need a mortgage to buy a home or are refinancing your current home loan, this new book provides insight on some of the mortgage industry's dirty little secrets.

Authors Clyde and Shari Steiner, who have written this book for the borrower's (not lender's) benefit, explain key mortgage terms and procedures in everyday English.

For instance, the authors explain computerized loan origination, the mysterious FICO borrower rating system, and why even the biggest mortgage lenders sometimes can't deliver loan terms they promise.

The best part of the book is the practical advice, written by authors who have obtained 12 home mortgages. For example, the Steiners recommend applying with two lenders at the same time if closing the loan on schedule is critical.

The message "don't trust lenders" to deliver on their promises comes through loud and clear. Another bit of practical advice is to treat the loan advisor as someone working primarily for the lender, no matter how nice that person might seem.

The book's highlight is the section on individual nationwide mortgage source sites and 800 numbers. It lists virtually all major Internet sites for home mortgage information and making online loan applications to earn discounts. The Steiners rate each mortgage Web site too.

The appendix contains the National Money$ource Director, Loan Evaluation Checklists, Loan Amount Charts, Loan to Value Worksheets, Refinance Evaluator and Where To Get Credit Reports.

Much of the insider information is available nowhere else.

--From Review by Robert Bruss - Chicago Tribune Syndicate ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Unquestionably the best book on its subject
If you are into trust deed investment or brokering this is THE BOOK to have. Beg, borrow or steal a copy. Do anything you have to, but get this book!

Smart Trust Deed Investment in California
For the person who is interested in really learning how to invest in Trust Deeds, this is without a doubt the best guide you will ever find. George Coats' coverage of this subject is very thourough and complete. I have been investing in trust deeds for some years, and luckely found this book shortly after it was written. It has been my bible ever since. The laws may be somewhat different in other states, but the principals and guidelines he provides are wonderfull. This book has helped me to avoid may pitfalls in making private loans. Required reading for anyone interested in this subject. ... Read more