Book Description

Streetwise Seller Financing is the new book by W. Eddie Speed. In it, Eddie details all aspects of creating and servicing seller-financed notes, including:

Homework Before the Sale - learn how to properly qualify your borrower to avoid default!

Structuring the Sale - are you in full compliance with all the laws regarding seller-financing? Structure the sale properly and you'll not only save legal headaches, but you can ensure your investment is worth top-dollar.

Dealing with Default - Eddie discusses plenty of tips and tricks to deal with a defaulting borrower. Use this section to avert disaster and help save your valuable investment.

This 96 page 6 x 9 paperback also includes forms, sample collection letters, glossary of important seller-financing terms and more. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Streetwise Seller Financing
I've done private financing using seller notes for over 20 years. In this field, knowledge and integrity are of extreme importance. This book provides all the knowledge that any note seller will ever need, and more. We've always known this method of funding can quadruple the inquiries and double the qualified buyers, now the average seller knows how everything works. That's a hundred times better than being at the mercy of the institutional mortgage system as it now exists.

Streetwise Seller Financing
If you are interested in seller financing, this is the book you must have. As a practicing attorney for 30+ years, specializing in real estate, I thought I knew it all but I even learned some things from Mr. Speed's book. He speaks to the issues facing seller financing in a way that is easy to understand and follow with real world solutions. This is a tough area with many dangerous curves but Streetwise Seller Financing addresses each issue providing valuable tips to assist the seller. I found the book to be of more help then many of the legal books due to the fact that Mr. Speed does not give you theory but just important facts on the correct way. I have dealt with many lenders in my years of law practice that could have used this book.

Every seller financer and note holder should read this!
Eddie Speed quotes the seasoned Texas banker who said, "The best time to worry about a loan is before you make it." Then he details how to do so. As a note broker, I can recommend this book to anyone considering seller financing. Whether you plan to collect payments for 30 years or you want to sell your note at some time in the future, this book will help you create a note that is more likely to be an asset you can sell instead of a life time headache. This book is a guide for the creation of the note and a reference for managing it. It even has helpful ideas for what to do when things go wrong during the life of the note. This book proves that good things come in small packages. Every note holder should keep it handy. I plan to.

This info is needed by all with Owner Financing !!
I was thinking of selling my home with Owner Financing. This book answered all of my concerns, and enlightened me on many that I was not even aware that I should be concerned about. I will use owner financing and not be concerned, knowing that I did it right on the front end. This will leave me with many options in the future if my needs were to change. Thanks, Mr. Speed for bringing me up to speed on owner financing.

Sold in 3 days!!
I purchased Streetwise a few weeks ago and have already used Mr. Speed's guidelines to close on a property that I had on the market for 6 weeks! I found the section on avoiding default especially helpful - in my rush to get property sold, I've never given default a second thought. There's a lot to digest in this book and I have a feeling this will be one to refer to again & again. I recommend this book to any real estate investor. ... Read more

Book Description

Every Rental Property Manager's Complete Handbook
How would you like to own multiple rental properties, make money from them, and have lots of spare time in this typically high-maintenance business? You can! Although many property managers lose more money each year on maintenance or long vacancies than they make in profit, with the right management system and some business savvy, you can rent out a house or condominium and still have enough time to enjoy your growing profits—or purchase more properties!
Greg Perry shows you how! With more than 40 of his own properties, he has created a foolproof system for rental management that has turned his rental business into a virtual turnkey operation. And now, in this revised edition of his book, he shows you step by step how you can profit from and enjoy managing your rental properties.
Inside, you'll learn valuable money-saving tips, such as how to:
·Market your property to attract droves of prospective tenants
·Keep good tenants happy and get rid of bad tenants
·Save a fortune on renovations, advertising, and other expenses
·Buy new properties and turn them into the most attractive houses on the block
·Use the Internet to market your rentals
·Choose the right insurance and prepare your taxes
·Plus much, much more!
Also included are up-to-date samples of leases, rental applications, eviction notices, and other important documents you can copy and customize.
“Real estate investors as well as professional property managers can profit from following Perry's practical advice."—San Francisco Sunday Examiner & Chronicle
“On a scale of 1 to 10, this excellent book rates a 10!"—Chicago Tribune ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Excellent for those just starting out!
I read a previous edition of this book from the library and had to get my own copy for reference. A lot of other books that offer practical information tend to treat tennants like cattle. This book is best for people with relatively few units. It gives great hands-on advice on how to be a stern, but fair and approachable landlord. It also gives great tips on saving time and getting good people to rent your apartments.

Finally, a book that speaks to ME
I have struggled to keep up with my 2 rent houses. What a nightmare they were! I have ALL the books and never until this one have I got REAL answers to my problems. I am SHOCKED this is not required reading by every property owner in America, not just rental property owners. You never know when you'll inherit a house you can't sell (that was my problem) and you're faced with being an instant landlord. For answers, get this book!

One Tip is Worth the Cost
You'll get MANY tips in this but the open house concept that Perry teaches is brilliant and one I'd never thought of.

The book just gets better for the struggling landlord (or landlady as Perry says). But for me, the first 2nd chapter changed my life as a landlord.

I needed only one answer.. and got much more!
We had a problem. We wanted to get rid of our rent house and get out of the business.

We looked through lots of books and settled on this and another one. The other turned out to be for more professional rent house owners.

This one spoke DIRECTLY TO US.

We were surprised at how this author seemed to be talking directly to us, in a manner that a friend would do. He told US advice, not just on how to sell our rent house but how to make it work if we kept it. We decided to give it another round of tenants but ony if we followed the advice in these pages. Much of it, such as the open house concept that we'd only thought applied to houses for sale, dramatically worked to change EVERYTHING about rent houses for the better! We now love being rent house investors and we are looking for more properties. If this book had cost twice as mich, it would be worth only a fraction of its value even then. I strongly encourage you to read this if you really dislike being a landlord.

Not the best, but not the worst either
This is not the best book on land lording, and not even the second best, but none the less this is a book worth reading. However, if you are a serious landlord and are only going to read one book, this is not the one to read. The #1 book to read is "Landlording" by Leigh Robinson, which I rated as 5 stars. "The Landlording Kit" by Jeffrey Taylor is rated 4 stars by me. And Greg Perry's book and Richard Jorgensen's book "The New No-Nonsense Landlord" is 3 stars. The Milan book is a solid one star.

I still recommend that you read this book, just not ONLY this book. The author claims that he "owns and manages or co-manages nearly 50 rental properties." That's a pretty vague statement. He could own and manage 1 property and co-manage 45 properties and that would be "nearly 50 rental properties." One of his early points is that your name and phone number should not be advertised in the rental ad. He says that you should establish an open house Friday afternoon and Saturday morning and have all the prospective tenants come around at one time. This would save you phone time with prospective renters, but I'm not sure that this would always be effective. When renting averaged priced rentals in the season, this might work; but I can see times when renting a high priced property or renting out of season that there would be few maybe no prospects at your open house. In another chapter the author suggests filing your deed at the courthouse with the clerk of courts as routine with every lease signing. First of all in Pennsylvania the Clerk of Courts only handles criminal proceedings, so that wouldn't be the right place to file anyway. But more importantly filing the lease is an unnecessary cost as well as a very public window into your private affairs.

On the other hand another tip of driving by your rental properties when in the vicinity makes a lot of sense to me. Checking up on your rentals routinely can be a good dose of preventive medicine. Another excellent tip is to lower your tenant's utility bills. Even if the tenants pay the entire heat bill, insulation, storm windows, etc. will be appreciated by the tenants and lower heat bills will cause a renter to stay longer. Providing appliances is a great landlord debate. Personally we provide apartments with refrigerators and stoves, but many houses are rented without refrigerators. Some higher end properties are rented with dishwashers, and washer and dryers. If I house has a garbage disposal, we'll keep it. But if it breaks it will not be replaced. Recently one disposal had a tendency to attract beer bottle caps. First and second repair bills were at tenant expense. My philosophy is that the more and heavier things that the tenant owns, like refrigerators, washers, and dryers, the less likely they will move. But I can't give you proof for that.

Mr. Perry does recommend that you buy houses where the rent is 1-2% of the purchase price per month. In other words a $100,000 house would rent for $1,000 to $2,000 per month. That's a great idea but hard to execute in reality. Two percent is very hard but not impossible to get. You'll have to look hard and NOT be in a high priced area.

This is not a bad book, but it's not the best either. There are many tips in the book. The author has some good ideas, but other authors have more. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Little Real Estate Reality Check Here...
This book is great for whetting your real estate appetite! And of course you have to buy other, more in-depth courses if you want to ascend the ladder of higher learning & success in the RE investing world -- that's if you're not too negative and scared to go for it. After high school, don't you have to go to college and maybe even grad school if you really want to make it in your chosen career? Sure you do -- that's a no-brainer. Well, real estate investing is no different. Anyone who thinks they're going to get their entire education out of one book or tape set is extremely naive. This stuff works for those who will work it. RE is a HUGE subject and you need to go slowly and learn well or you WILL screw up. Like anything, you have to gradually get your head around it. I came from a poor background. I was a street-tough who was in and out of jail. Thanks to creative real estate investing I've positioned myself so that money will no longer be an issue in my life. Want the same? Don't buy into the excuses -- your own, or anyone else's. That's called the hypnosis of the culture and it aims to get you down in the hole that it's in. This book is great! It's a great place to start in real estate. If Ron didn't touch on subjects lightly, everyone would be overwhelmed. Eventually there's an ocean of info in the RE investing world. He's letting you wade in about knee deep instead of drowning you all at once. I've been studying this stuff since I got out of the military 12 years ago and I'm still learning. Speaking of the military, Ron's RE boot-camp seminars are also great. That's where you get your real training. This book is here to merely introduce you to some broad concepts. It will help you open your mind to all the possibilities that await you out there in the RE world. Just like in the military, this book is just your "indoc" or indoctrination. That is the purpose. Oh and by the way, everyone loves to say it won't work in their town. Wherever you live it won't work, right? So do the rest of the investors in your town a favor and move. And as soon as you move it'll start working again, right? (a little seminar humor) But, seriously, I can go to anywhere in the US and buy decent houses for 10 cents on the dollar -- I'm living in one right now. So to the reviewer down in NJ - it's called a "short sale" not a "time warp" and it works in any town where there are houses. :-) For real though, a "short sale" is just one of hundreds of techniques to buy houses cheap. Hey guy, maybe you should've bought some of Ron's more in-depth courses and you would have learned the details of how to buy real estate cheap. Ron could charge double for what he teaches and it'd still be a steal. In the long run, going out on your own and doing RE the old "trial and error" way (without proper training) will cost you 50 times as much as just paying up-front and getting trained by someone like Ron who's been out there and made the mistakes for us. And no, I don't work for Ron or get a dime for going on like this. It's just that... unlike some reviewers here, I actually know what I'm talking about because I've put in the hard work and time and money and long hours getting real with real estate -- not just being a spectator. So all I know is that this book made a big change for me. It's a classic! Speaking of classics... I remember a guy telling me Star Wars sucked, before I saw it. I decided to go to the theater and see it for myself. Well, I don't know what that guy was on, but we all know it was a classic. Ron's book speaks for itself guys. Pick up a copy and see if it speaks to you. Peace Out. R. Rogers

This was very good!
I have read this book and I thought that it was very good. Very informative to the novice investor just getting started. It has a lot of vaulable information that can be used and works. Thanks a lot.

I also recommend, "How to Make Fast Cash in Real Estate with No Money Down Deals!" By: Rod L. Griffin

Usually skeptical...
about books on flipping. But he really shows you the nuts and bolts of this type of investment. Besides teaching you just about everything you need to get started flipping properties, the real gold nugget in this book is the chapter on mortgage lending. I will warn you that utlimately he is trying to sell you one of his courses at the end of the chapter (but arent all these "no-money-down, flipper" type authors trying to upsell you to their high priced programs? Dont read these books if that type of stuff is going to offend you.)

And to the naysayer reviewers who say it cant be done in my town because of real estate prices, well all I can say is - duh! Get off of your can and drive 45 miles to a smaller town. I live in a high priced area of the country and you can still find these properties. They are nothing you want to move into and live in mind you, but they are there, and there is someone else you can flip them to for a profit.

"A heck of a lot of information between the covers"
This book was well worth the time and money I've spent on it so far. There are more techniques than a beginner as myself can use. This makes some of the chapters seem a little dry. Some of Rons techniques seem somewhat scandalous, if not downright unlawful. I wonder if Ron has created any enemies in Florida? His big push is--get out and make offers. Nothing will happen until I do. Ron has definitely done a great deal of research in the field. I have listened to his spiel in person, and know for a fact that he pulls no punches. This book, along with the tape set of the same name includes so much information that they must be studied over and over again. A Downside? Ron includes absolutely no information concerning tax shelters. In a business like this, especially if you make large profits, Uncle Sam will definitely have his greedy hand out. Capital gains and income tax, to name two. Just don't let delusions of grandeur mask the fact that there are always risks and downsides.... Buy it and read it.

not for everyone
I orignally bought this book from television and with the accompanying tapes thought it would help me get started.
I was wrong. This book would work best on anyone living in a time warp. He talks about buying houses for 10,000 dollars and then quick turning them.
Excuse, does he live in this country? I live in New Jersey and a decent house starts at 100,000. He is totally out of the ballpark.
Then when I bought the program, I was told for 1,000 dollars more, I could buy a whole series of tapes and the privilage of attending his seminars. If I could afford to spend the money his tapes required, I wouldn't need his course.
The book is too just scratching the surface and things that I am interested in like rental property he dismisses and he advocates putting properites on your credit card. If you can't pay it off because the propery isn't selling, your screwed.
He should tell people that this book is not for beginners or the faint of heart. ... Read more

Book Description

This casebook has a Teacher's Manual (available only to faculty, directly from the Publisher). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Well Esteemed USC professor of Real Estate Law
I was privileged enough to be able to take two major courses with the author of this book at USC Law School in Los Angeles in the 2001-2002 school year. Our text book was in fact, this title. It was a newer edition that had yet to be published, and goes far beyond the basic Real Property to much more pertinent and practicable issues of real estate transactions and finance, even delving into key elements necessary in commercial real estate law practice such as 1021 transfers and the like. I have yet to come across any book more conclusive and comprehensive than this Lefcoe text on the subject of real estate in all of my studies and research. I recommend it to anyone who wants to take a serious look at the subject of real estate transactions and finance on both an legal academic and practitioner's level. ... Read more

Book Description

Investing in commercial real estate can provide excellent risk-return opportunities for both the large and small investor. Unlike equity securities, commercial real estate often generates a substantial and predictable cash flow over time—and the compounding effect of this cash flow can significantly enhance the performance of most investment portfolios.

Filled with in-depth insight and practical advice, The Real Estate Investment Handbook is an essential tool for current and aspiring commercial real estate investors looking to develop and evaluate commercial real estate properties.

Throughout the book, experts G. Timothy Haight and Daniel D. Singer offer careful examinations of the various types of commercial real estate available, the measures within the markets used to evaluate their performance, and the intricacies of the markets in which they are traded. The discussions of breakeven analysis, present value, financial leverage, loan packaging, and practical real-life situations found in The Real Estate Investment Handbook will help you make better-informed decisions when investing in properties such as:

• Apartments, condominiums, and time-shares
• Single-family homes
• Self-storage facilities
• Office buildings
• Industrial properties
• Parking lots
• Shopping centers
• Hotels and motels

Successful real estate investing is not just about net income or cash flow; it's about the fit between an investor and an investment. With The Real Estate Investment Handbook as your guide, you'll learn how to choose properties that make sense—and money—for you. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Turns dead equity into cash flow.
I was introduced to Wade Cook via his excellent stock market books. I have created an excellent side income with covered calls, options, stock splits, naked calls and naked puts.Mr Cook advises to take your profits from the stock market and move it into real estate and other places. What thatin mind, I started investing in real estate and bought Real Estate Money Machine and How To Pick Up Foreclosures.Mr Cooks system makes so much sense. Just like his stock market strategies. It's all about cash flow. I know some people who are landlords and hate real estate (I can see why) and all the problems with tenants.As Wade Cook says; "If you'll do for two years what most people won't do, you can do for the rest of your life what most people can never do."I also recommend the 16% solution and Flipping Properties.Great books. Read them and use them.

It certaintly does pay to research the author
And from what I found out about Mr. Cook is that he made a fortune in real estate and another fortune on Wall Street. Wade Cook pioneered, practically invented the concept of lease options. He was doing it before it became fashionable.

Real Estate Money Machine is an outstanding book for those who want to learn how to cash flow the real estate market. Buy and hold is okay, but buy and make money today is even better.

Not get rich quick, but definitely get richer quicker and turn cash flow rapidly. Wade's strategies are not theory, they work.

This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to make the most of their money as a real estate investor.

Regarding that supposed authority who slammed Wade. She slams everyone. Is nicknamed "The Queen of Smear." Of course the only people she goes after are best selling authors. Why? Probably because nobody ever buys her books. Her newspaper column was cancelled over two years ago and since Suze Orman came along, JBQ has all but dissappeared. No website and she needs a dorky self publisher to do allo f her talking for her. Just wanted to let you know what you are dealing with.

That said, WADE is controversial and investing is not for everyone. Some people just on't get that. You can't buy a book and expect magical things to happen. It takes effort. Wade explains that but unfortunately some people miss that very important point.

Along with Real Estate Money Machine I also recommend How To Pick Up Foreclosures and 101 Ways to Buy Real Estate Without Cash both by Wade.

Powerful advice! Ignore paid bashers
As Wade is so fond of saying, "To Whom Are You Listening To?" To which I will add, do you want to listen to some paid bashers or to a millionaire like Wade Cook?

Wade was the first to tout lease purchases via his money machine concepts back in the 80's. His advice works. I know because I have used it.

Listen to this guy - ignore paid bashers
The fact of the matter is, Wade Cook started off as a cab driver then with $500 of borrowed money, got into real estate and made a fortune. In the 1990's, he discovered unique strategies on cash flowing the stock market and created another fortune and helped many others as well.

Real Estate Money Machine has been around now for 24 years. And I am sure will still be around long after this 1 star basher is gone.

What this 1 star basher always leaves out is that Wade is still in business, still conducting seminars just like his books are still around. Don't believe me? Check www.wadecook.org to see when a seminar will be in your area.

The other thing to be careful of is that the toll free number on the back of Wade's books that everybody is complaining about has not been updated and is not Wade's company. Go to his website for more info or to contact WADE directly.

NO---I am not a paid shill. Do not work for Wade Cook or have any connection with his company. I just hate to see a man who created a unique set of strategies be lied about by a paid 1 star basher who keeps having his websites shut down.

Real Estate Money Machine was the first book to discuss flipping and lease purchases in real estate. I also recommend Real Estate for Real People.

Finally, as I see see it, we all have one of two choices; we can learn from someone like Wade who has a proven system for creating wealth or we can listen to some paid basher who is only good at attacking successful people. I'll go with Wade.

Avoid this guy
Wade Cook started in real estate then started doing stock market stuff. He sold expensive stock seminars and got in a lot of trouble with the attorney generals in a variety of states. Eventually his stock market magioc company imploded and filed for bankruptcy. Successful people do not get investigated and then file bankruptcy. Avoid this guy. He does have a lot of shills giving him 5 star ratings and they actively post in every book her writes.

You can find most of his books in a library. People usually donate them to the library because it is mostly flim flam nonsense.

You can search google for info on his bankruptcy and legal problems - ie flim flam. ... Read more

Book Description

Updated to reflect current market trends and economic realities, the ultimate insider's guide to transforming a minimal, or even zero investment, into a personal real estate empire.

Stocks may soar and crash, but one investment constantly increases in value:choice real estate.Tyler G. Hicks, a world-renowned authority and best-selling author on the subject of real estate investments, shares his proven strategies for finding and financing properties with wealth- building power.Current, comprehensive, and reliable, this guide delivers the know-how and hands-on tools to build a real estate fortune in a few short years--with little or no cash required.

Filled with true stories of men and women who have followed Hicks' methods with amazing, get-rich-quick results, How To Make Million$ In Real Estate In Three Years Starting With No Cash emphasizes "safe" risks, savvy borrowing, and pyramid investments.Exploring a wide range of options--from single-family homes to malls, from vacant land to offshore waters--this resource leads the way to not only fast but lasting financial success.

Page after page, this book comes through with incredible insider secrets--including how to sell the rights to thin air for hard cash.This completely updated edition also features an extensive directory, listing thousands of sources for additional information and guidance. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

I loved it !!!
I an 32 years old and I read this book 2 months ago... I bought my first no-money-down apartment building 6 weeks after starting the book.

He didn't re-invent the wheel. He has a good way of presenting information and methods for becoming a real estate entrepreneur. I did not subscribe to his other products as I felt that I did not need to. It did not aggravate me that he was self-promoting his services. All of the other reviews make me laugh... they are all frustrated by the author... He is a rich entrepreneur and of course he will promote his other services. That's what makes him succesfull and that's what makes some of the reviewers jealous.

All I have to say is: this is a tool for those who want to take control of their financial lives. I didn't stop myself at just this book... I also read "Multiple streams of income". I really did my homework and I wasn't expecting the authors of those books to answer EVERY question.... but did they ever wake me up!!!!!!!!

Go a head reach your full potential!... and don't be scared.

Cheers...

Do NOT waste your money
Readers, If you are curious about real estate investing, then take my word for it, this book is NOT what you are looking for.
The author spends the whole time pretty much giving you a pep talk about just getting out and and making offers to people for a hundred percent plus in financing and while im not saying that you couldnt get that, I am saying that this book does not tell you anything that a little common sense wouldnt tell you. And common sense is free. Plus the whole book is like one big plug for the authors other businesses that hes trying to sell you. I felt like I paid money for an infomercial!!!! I dont know what book to recommend to you, dear reader, but this is NOT it.
Thanks for your time.

Great motivational book! Some good real estate ideas, too.
I gave this book five stars for two reasons. First, I wanted to offset some of the one-star reviews here, which I think are unwarranted. More importantly, however, this book is truly one of the best introductory texts available for those just starting in real estate investing. If you are a total newbie to the subject, this book will help you get started. It's an excellent motivational text. Half the battle of starting in real estate investing, or any endeavor for that matter, is getting your head in the right place to start thinking like an investor, and having the confidence to take the educated risks you'll need to be successful. Hicks gives the reader the encouragement they need to do this. He presents a decent overview of the opportunities in real estate investing, with some interesting ideas on how to take advantage of those opportunities. All too often texts of this variety fall into the "business cult" trap, where the reader is encouraged to follow the author's way of doing things without any other information or consultation. The dangers are glossed over in favor of built-up rewards. Despite what his other critics might say, Hicks avoids this pitfall. He dedicates an entire chapter to mistakes beginners make in real estate, and he includes some really good, basic advice, some of which might not be blatantly obvious for those who are just starting out. He constantly admonishes the reader to consult with a competent attorney, a CPA, their local laws and regulations, and to further educate themselves in the field in order to avoid other dangers, and maximize other rewards, that you simply can't learn about until you've started applying the fundamentals towards your own unique investing situation. He includes a recommended reading list for further information. Half the materials he recommends are written and published by other authors (due to the dated nature of his material, however, most of these books are out-of-print, although you can easily find similar resources by searching for his recommended titles on Amazon), and the other half are from his own publications. There are several references throughout the text to these publications, but almost all of them are made in the letters he cites as examples of people who have tried this technique such-and-such a way. These letters add understanding to the text beyond just being used as an advertisement for his previously-published materials. The references he makes to his own publications outside of the recommended reading list simply say, "Look here for more information on this specific topic," which is a common, perfectly acceptable practice for an author, especially when he is writing a broad overview of a subject, like he does here, and he doesn't have the space to go into detail on a specific subject that takes up an entire book by itself. He also makes himself available by phone for questions, especially for more detailed consultation regarding your own implementation of his techniques, any problems you might encounter, etc. Even if you decide not to work with him as a mentor, that's a pretty impressive testament to the fact he's not just out to take your money and run, but wants to see you succeed using his techniques.

This is probably where the controversy over Ty Hicks stems from. Many readers mistakenly believe that they can indeed read this one book and make millions in real estate in three years. Ty Hicks does not claim this, and it is no wonder when some of his readers are so deeply disappointed when this belief does not materialize. Hicks does claim you can make a fortune in real estate if you're willing to study, work, and stay motivated. He offers many more materials to help in this learning process, and sure, he makes money off of them. Good thing for us; if business people didn't make money off of telling us how they do things, they'd spend all their time investing for themselves and we'd never learn how to share in the wealth. You don't necessarily need Ty Hicks' other materials to be successful, however. What you're really paying for in buying his other materials is the personal encouragement and mentorship of Ty Hicks. If you need that sort of mentor to help guide your efforts (and some people do), that's fine. If not, you can find the additional information you need to educate yourself further about real estate investing from other, less expensive sources.

For those just starting out, who need a little motivation with their information, you can't go wrong with this book. It's just the beginning of your education in real estate investing, though! Supplement it with books like "Investing in Real Estate, 4th Edition" by Andrew McLean, "Real Estate Finance & Investment Manual" by Jack Cummings, "Landlording" by Leigh Robinson, "The Complete Guide to Buying & Selling Apartment Buildings" by Steve Berges, "Real Estate Investor's Tax Guide 4th Edition" by Vernon Hoven, and if you want to lay down some cash for an exhaustive, detailed, expansive collection of sample forms and calculation techniques, get the "Real Estate Investment & Acquisition Workbook" by Howard Zuckerman.

I am now dumber for having read this!!!
I am shocked that a friend of mine recommended this book. I just read the first 50 pages and I am honestly considering burning this waste of paper. This book would insult the intelligence of my cat. I only wish I had taken the time to read some of the other reviews prior to buying this "book". Be advised!

i agree--there needss to be a zero star option
If you want all the "information" in this book pick up Real Estate Riches by Dolf De Roos. It contains everything useful in this book and only enough hype to get you excited. This book on the other hand is a thinly disguised info-mercial for a lot of other drivel that Hicks will make a profit if you purchase.

Please by something from a useful guru (ie. Peter Conti and David Finkel, Dolf de Roos, Russ Whitney) and save yourself the dissapointment. ... Read more

Book Description

Get more house for less money with one of America's top real estate experts!

Robert Irwin's Power Tips for Buying a House for Less is the homebuyer's book for today's red hot real estate market­­by the real estate guru whose guides have sold over one million copies. Whether the market is soaring skyward or standing still, potential buyers need Robert Irwin's inside secrets to save money and aggravation. In his trademark straightforward style, Irwin reveals how to:

• Size up buyer's brokers vs. traditional seller's brokers
• Stay cool in hot markets
• Use home inspection reports for price leverage
• Battle, bargain, and come out on top

Reviews (6)

new people only\\\\
what a waste.if your new great buy it. if not a total rehash of basics.i was quite dis appointed.

Very well organized
I'm the type of buyer who will do LOT's of research before I make a decision (to make sure that my decision is correct). I have a pretty good selection of 'How To' books, as this is my first house purchase, however the one book that had the most answers to my questions was this one. I highly recommend it (5 out of 5 stars obviously), and have already loaned it to my brother who will be buying a house next year.

Incredibly useful - Highly recommend!!
This book is very useful. It showed us how to find and then buy a home in a market where prices were going up and there were many multiple offers. It had tips that our agent never told us about (I suspect she didn't know) that allowed us to lock up two houses and then get out of the deals when we decided we didn't like them. The third try was the charm and we got the house, even though there were other offers. We give this book a recommendation of 5 out of 5.

What this book did for me
I just wanted to take a minute to write my opinion for Robert Irwin's Power Tips for Buying a House for Less. I found the book informative and helpful. As I pursued in the American dream (to own my own house) I was impressed with how much easier it became, by using this book. Much of the difficult "technicalities" were smoothed out. And the entire process began to make sense. Using this book as a guide, saved me money, and time. I recommend it to anyone who is considering buying a home.

A Homeowner in CA
This book is not for your average homebuyer!!! Buying a house is (generally) the largest financial investment a person makes and Irwins "advice" on "Buying Site Unseen" and "Buy Fixer Uppers" while on the surface may appear to save $$, in the long run probably won't. This book is for seasoned homeowners who can financially afford to cover a loss should a problem arise via some of the books suggested "buying a house for less" tips. For the rest, leave the book at home and let your Agent negotiate for you. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is aptly named "Do Your Own Self-Directed Pension Plan", as it provides any small business person who has no employees except perhaps a spouse and/or business partners, the ability to do their own pension plan in an easy, step by step process.Pension plans referred to in this book are those qualified by the IRS.These plans, also known as Keogh or HR 10 plans, are Defined Contribution Plans limited to Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans.They do not include those plans which require the services of an actuary, such as defined benefit plans, or those involving common law employees.

The book provides the most flexible options that one can generally have in a plan, such as being ones own trustee and administrator, in-service withdrawals, plan loans, early retirement, and complete self direction of investments.

In addition to a comprehensive guide about how to establish the plan and investment accounts which go with a plan, there are numerous real life examples of how investments are made and how to make them, comprising almost one third of the book. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Outstanding real estate book
This book picks up where Real Estate Money Machine leaves off and where other real estate books don't even touch. This is the ideal book for real estate investors who are serious about making a business out of real estate investing.

The book is 300 pages and 19 chapters of powerpacked information. You won't find this information anywhere else.

And the advice is timeless. If you are serious about real estate investing you must read this book.

Some of the topics include

1) How money is made
2) Nothing works untill you do
3) An old fashioned look at real estate
4) What real estate investing is
5) Real estate is attainable
6) Leverage
7) Income generation
8) Taxes
9) Equity growth
10) The Real Estate Money Machine
11) Negotiate good deals (my favorite chapter)
12) Get the low down on real estate
13) Leveraging people
14) Other investment tips
15) Ideas that work today
16) How to get started
17) Income splitting
18) Money, money, money
19) Make it real for you

I was also impressed by the number of highly credible real estate professionals who openly endorsed this great book by Wade. People like Jane Fowler, Carol Wilson, Ken Otterman, Robert Allen, Mark Haroldsen and John V. Childers.

ONE WORD OF CAUTION: Do not call the toll free number listed in the back of the book. I bought this book recently and it is an old number which now hooks up to one of Wade's competitors who seem ot be clueless, ruthless and high pressure sales people that sound like used car salesmen. To appreciate what Wade is doing or to contact his organization go to www.wadecook.org.

Beware of imitators and competitors. Wade is the original and the best.

Disregard negative reviews - good book
Real Estate for Real People is an excellent followup to Mr. Cooks blockbuster "Real Estate Money Machine", a book that has created a lot on imitators.

While "Real Estate Money Machine" shows you how to create consistent cash flow in real estate, "Real Estate for Real People" goes even deeper how to profitably run your real estate business.

Mr. Cook used to offer this as a seminar and then a tape program called "Tune-ups" and I know people who payed thousands of dollars for the programs.

"Real Estate for Real People" is an outstanding book for real people, written by a real-real estate investor and will teach you many things you didn't know before.

Good book highly recommended....for serious real estate investors that is.

Read this along with Real Estate Money Machine
In real estate money machine, Wade Cook discloses his system for cash flowing the real estate business. In this book, WADE COOK goes even deeper into the business of running your real estate business.

Must reading and a great read for all serious real estate investors or those who want to be.

Buyer Beware
While reading this book, I came to the conclusion that some of the information here is incredibly outdated and the rest is just tips and bits of information that any financial institution has picked up on.

85 to 90% of this book in nothing but promotional materials offered else where outside of this garbage advise to supposely continue your so called "Success In Real Estate", almost nothing in this book is practical in the real world.

Another thing that ticks me off is that, While some so called reviewers are giving this "Book Infomercial" good reviews, why do need hide your Name and Hometown if you recommended it so much.
Some of these reviewers are as phony as this book.

Take the cost of this book and take your significant other to the movies instead, He/She will like that investment better.

Went from the rat race to RE Investor in 90 days!
First of all, I recommend that you read Real Estate Money Machine with or before this one. It will make a lot more sense to you.

In Real Estate For Real People, Wade Cook goes a lot deeper into his money machine concepts; talks about how to run real estate like a business, negotiating tips and much more.

This is the same information that Wade used to teach at his "Tune Ups" seminars in the late 1980's for hundreds of dollars. By the way, most of us had no problem with paying hundreds of dollars for this information...you won't find it anywhere else.

This information took me from the rat race feeling like a rat to a full time Real Estate Investor inside of 90 days. It works. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Not 1, not 2, not 30 but 101 ways to buy real estate.....
Yes--this great book by Wade Cook shows you 101 ways to buy real estate with little or none of your own money. This book is like the encyclopedia of No Money Down Real Estate Investing.

Unlike so many me too authors, Wade cut his teeth in real estate and made a fortune using the same techniques he teaches here. Wade is not a "paper tiger" or a "me too" author who only writes about a subject without having actually done the deals. His methods are unique and they work. Or perhaps I should say they were unique..Wade is probably the most imitated but never duplicated author/real estate guru out there. Wade should be very happy...are you familiar with the phrase: "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?" Then Wade should be very flattered!

This book is a must read and a must have in your real estate library.

Multiple ways of creating real estate wealth
In this great book by the great Wade Cook, real estate expert Wade Cook reveals 101 ways to buy real estate with no cash. Most of the other books that talk about "no money down" real estate investing give you 5-10 techniques. Wade Cook gives you 101!

Great book. Thanks Wade!

More real estate strategies from the millionaire maker
I heard a statistic once that Wade Cook was responsible for helping to create more real estate millionaires through his unique formula's than anyone else. Easy to see why. In 101 strategies, Wade offers 101 ways to buy real estate without cash or credit. The formula's work. I've used them.

You will also need Wade's flagship work Real Estate Money Machine along with Real Estate for Real People. I also recommend How To Pick Up Foreclosures.

Get the best advice from the millionaire maker.

Creative No Money Down R.E. Investing Techniques
What appealed to me about this new book by Wade Cook is that it offers 101 Creative no money down techniques to buy real estate and this it provides current up-to-date information.

Another thing that appealed to me is that it is WADE COOK's unique strategies and not somebodyelse's. So many of the other books out there just keep repeating the same things over and over. Cook is new and fresh.

A portfolio of techniques to buy real estate w/o cash
This book was very helpful to me when I first started becuase I didn't have either cash or credit. WADE offers a portfolio of 101 techniques to buy real estate with little or none of your own money. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

How to Sell Aparment Buildings- The Big Money in Real Estate
Clear and concise, with advice that will allow a novice to rapidly progress, and the seasoned pro to once again focus on the basics that help to create success. This book is also a good resource for the apartment owner, as it helps to illuminate the forces that drive the value of his/her investment. ... Read more

Book Description

Own your own home-regardless of your credit rating

You can be a homeowner—even if your credit is nothing to brag about or virtually non-existent. This practical, fact-filled guide shows how to achieve your goal of home ownership with your current credit. Mortgage loan officer Thomas K. Masters teaches you the basics of home buying, from alternative mortgage programs to financing tips that will help you avoid the red tape of many home loans. Clear, concise, and free of technical jargon, this accessible, straightforward reference is filled with real-life examples. Here's where you can find essential information on:

• "Qualifying ratios" set by the federal lending authorities
• Assumable financing, wraparound financing, quitclaim deeds with refinance options, lease options, and quick qualifying loans
• What to look for in a lender
• Ways to qualify for low-down and no-down payment home loans
• Understanding loan applications and forms
• How to clean up your credit profile

Book Description

This comparitive analysis of real estate practices offers a first of its kind tool for making sound investment decisions in the global market.International Real Estate explores the vital economic, political, geographic, and cultural issues that impact real estate practice in 33 countries spanning six continents.(400 pages, 2004 copyright) ... Read more

Book Description

A timely and authoritative guide to today’s hottest new investment vehicles "Finally, a book that covers REITs from A to Z that is understandable to both the layperson and the expert alike. John Mullaney is one of the very few real estate analysts who can simplify this complex new asset class and make the compelling argument that securitized real estate will continue to have a bright future and belongs in everyone’s portfolio." —Peter Wheeler, President and COO, Commonwealth Equity Services "REITs: Building Profits with Real Estate Investment Trusts is a well-written and informative book not only on REITs, but real estate in general. It is a must-read for financial advisors who want to help their clients benefit from some of the outstanding investment opportunities which currently exist in the REIT industry." —Ina Fritsch, President, Fritsch Financial Services "This book is an excellent guide through the various sectors in the REIT industry and the leading companies in the business. I would recommend it for any investor interested in learning about the industry and how to select the right real estate investment trusts for their portfolio." —Charles K. Barbo, Chairman and CEO, Shurgard Storage Centers "I firmly believe that investors who manage and choose their own investments should understand the product they are investing in. John Mullaney’s book is a great source for such investors to learn about real estate investments, valuing REITs, and making sound investment decisions." —Anne C. Ravetti, Meridian Industrial Trust ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not good...
Reasons not to read this book:
-it's out of date
-75% of the book is nothing more than a summary/overview of
existing reits. Basically book stuffin'
-one can obtain the above info from nareit.com and company
profiles from yahoo or other sites
-15% of it is the history of reits... nice to know but doesn't
help me pick the best reits
-10% is some basic accounting terminology and a vague sense
of what to look for in picking out a reit to invest in. I
already had this information from my web readings.

For someone with absouletly no knowledge of reits
or even investing I guess this would be a ok starting point.

just my two cents... ... Read more

Book Description

How to uncover the best houses, and avoid the lemons, in today's tricky housing market

Real estate is soaring, and prospective buyers want information that is both authoritative and easy to understand. The New Complete Book of Home Buying combines proven techniques with updated strategies, including how to use the Internet effectively, whether to buy a new or existing home, what to watch for in an older home, and more. A complete revision of the classic The Complete Book of Home Buying, this new edition arms you with the knowledge you need to get the most house for your money in today's ultra-competitive housing market.

Hands-on, helpful features include:

• Checklists, mortgage tables, and other valuable tools
• Dozens of up-to-date investment and tax strategies
• Tips and techniques for first-time buyers

Book Description

Now completely revised and expanded!

The definitive resource for anyone

Getting Started in Real Estate Investing

After a decade-long slump, real estate has rebounded to become one of today's hottest investment vehicles. This consummate beginner's guide shows you how to successfully identify—and profit from—the market's many lucrative opportunities. Written in nontechnical, easy-to-follow terms, Getting Started in Real Estate Investing, Second Edition, gives you the straight facts on everything from mortgage payments and property selection to financing options and landlording issues. Packed with convenient sidebar definitions, easy-to-follow examples, and real-life case histories, as well as tips on avoiding possible pitfalls, this completely updated volume offers the latest information on:

• Real estate versus traditional investments
• Direct mortgage lending
• The resurgence of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
• Capital gains and losses
• Speculation and rental trends
• The best tax strategies
• And much more!

Reviews (2)

Getting Started in Real Estate Investing
This book is great because it gives you a detailed look at real estate investing from an "investor's point of view". It discusses cycles, timing, knowing your numbers, etc. that all other books I have read have either completely left out or barely touched on. To be well-rounded on this subject, this book is an absolute must.

A good primer and resource
As a begginner to real estate I found this book to be a great primer on the fundementals of real estate. It explains some of the factors one must consider in valuing real estate, such as confrmity. It explains the basics of loans and the pros and cons of using an accelerated system. It also explains the real estate investment cycle and how it evolves. This book is just a primer it promotes no particular investment philosophy but just the basics one must know in order to be real estate investor. ... Read more

Book Description

How to save hundreds—even thousands—of dollars a year in property taxes You can’t escape paying property taxes, but you can avoid paying more than you have to. This authoritative new guide explains how. Written by an experienced real estate counselor, Challenge Your Taxes helps you evaluate your property assessment and pinpoint any inaccuracies that, once amended, could dramatically reduce your tax bill. With proven guidelines and practical tips, you’ll learn how to determine what your property is really worth, qualify your property for a deduction, and—in the case of an unfair assessment—prepare and present a successful appeal. Here’s where you’ll find complete details on:

• Property valuation—fair market value, comparable sales and cost approach, amenity considerations
• Assessors—who they are, what they do, and what they look for
• Checking your property information—study your property record file, confirm property category, use sales/assessment ratio to establish fair value
• Common assessment errors—miscalculated land area, incorrect judgment of condition, comparable sales ignored, wrong zoning classification
• Assessment appeals—summary of procedure, presentation checklist, the appeal board, abatements