5 comments about Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens: Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time.

1. This book had some really good information. It is well written by someone who has spent a lot of time buying tax liens. The author does not give any false hopes and is very realistic about what to expect.



2. Arrived quickly and in good shape.
   
   Haven't started to read it yet.



3. I saw a notice for Tax Lien Certificate auction in my local paper. This made me interested in looking for additional information. This book was just what I was looking for. It provided the information I was hoping to get and them some.



4. Now in an updated second edition, Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens: Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time is a straightforward guide to making money through relatively safe investment in tax liens (sometimes called tax deeds, depending on one's state). Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens covers how to purchase tax liens or deeds on the Internet, the difference between tax liens and deeds, a walkthrough of the bidding process at tax sales, the requirements of tax liens and tax deeds as well as how they differ from state to state, how to protect oneself against the most threatening risks, and much more. Author and Florida attorney Larry Loftis has literally millions of dollars' worth of experience in real estate investing; he presents the ins and outs of these lucrative opportunities a straightforward, easy-to-follow terms for readers of all backgrounds. "...many properties can be bought for very low prices, perhaps for even pennies on the dollar. However, many properties are not worth buying! For example, you might buy a vacant lot that is so small it is unbuildable. Or the lot is configured in such a strange way that it is also unbuildable, except possibly for use as a parking lot. In other cases, the property might be under water or next to or part of a drainage ditch! So in tax deed investing, rule number one is always to personally view the property." A "must-read" of both basic and advanced tips for anyone considering investing in real estate tax liens.



5. I bought Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens: Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time and Complete Guide to Real Estate Tax Liens and Foreclosure Deeds: Learn in 7 Days-Investing Without Losing Series (Investing Without Losing. Investing in Real Estate Liens was a better book with more detail.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Locating, Negotiating, and Buying Real Estate Foreclosures: What Smart Investors Need to Know - Explained Simply.

1. Real estate investors can amass a fortune by purchasing foreclosed homes at various foreclosure auctions, and this guide is the resource novices and pros will find an outstanding key to locating such bargains. From auctions and online processes to making it easy for bargains to come your way, THE COMPLETE GUIDE is a survey investors will find easy to begin with, making it the perfect item of choice for public libraries.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. If you hesitated about getting into real estate investing during the real estate housing boom, the new boom - the one in foreclosures - may be your chance to build wealth by buying forclosed real estate.
   
   This book is not for everyone. As a licensed real estate agent for eight years, I have seen people try to get rich quick using various schemes they have heard about on television or read about in books - with little success. This method is no fly-by-night strategy and not everyone who would be able to invest successfully. Investors need - at the very least - good credit, some ready cash and a willingness to work hard and stick to the plan.
   
   Those who are able to take advantage of the foreclosure niche in the current buyer's market can create for themselves a life making income as a real estate investor.
   
   The authors wrote this book for the brand-new investor, including not only basic information on how to choose and invest in foreclosures, but current information on where and how to find and choose foreclosure properties, current real- estate and foreclosure laws from state-to-state and detailed information on what to expect during every step of the process. The are even chapters on how to rent your new property, if you choose to do so.
   
   While this book is primarily for investors, buyers looking for a home of their own will find this book filled with useful information. Foreclosed homes can be found at bargain prices and home buyers can use these same procedures to find the home of their dreams. Too many buyers, frightened by the headlines, are not taking advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime buyer's market to buy their own home.
   
   Investors will also find the real estate dictionary and extensive list of references extremely helpful if they plan (and they should) to continue to learn about investing as the foreclosure market changes.
   
   The authors do not pretend that making money by buying and selling or renting-out foreclosures is easy and they caution that in real estate investing, money can be made, or it can be lost. That attitude is what makes this book superior to most. If your plan is to buy foreclosed homes with no money down, no assets and no risk, then look somewhere else - an good luck to you. But, if you are looking for a levelheaded approach to real estate investing in the current market, this approach is a winner.



3. In digging into this book, the author continually quoted other books. That annoyed me quite a bit and kept me asking, "Why didn't I buy the other book?" If you're starting off at "ground zero" and know nothing about mortgages, etc. this book is a helpful guide. It also contains concise explanations of different types of "legalese" and gives you places to look. Overall, a good place to start.



4. This was my first foreclosure real estate book I've purchased. This book is more of an overview of the topic. This book feels like reading a college text book. It has no soul or spirit behind it. What I mean is that, you will rarely read about the author's first hand experience with foreclosure. To tell you the truth, this book feels like a research paper or an article written by a college professor who has no real world first hand experience in the subject. Don't get me wrong, the information presented in this book was great and accurate. But it lacks the entrepreneurial spirit found on RE books. I recommend this book to people doing research on the topic or someone who just wants a general overview on the subject. If you want a "how to book" this book may not be the answer for you. I would recommend The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit: How to Make M Buying Distressed Real Estate -- Before the Public Auction. The problem that I had with this book was that the author just presented the information but really didn't give a formula on how to buy foreclosures. It left it up to the reader on how to go about it.



5. 
   To the experienced real estate investor, a lot of the ideas in this book are already familiar and redundant but overall I am pleased with this book. It is by all means, not an "explain it all book" on foreclosures.
   But like what most previous reviews have already stated, a great book to
   start.
   
   The author's writing style is very easy to read & understandand just as his title reads "explained simply". Introducing readers to the different types of procedings involved in the pre through post foreclosure process and how one can score deals and profits any time in the process, i love how we are constantly reminded that we are making profits based on other people's misfortunes. Very to the point and 100% true.
   
   If your interested in learning about or new to foreclosures and looking to capitilize on the coming tide, or should i say TSUNAMI of foreclosure opportunities, this book is a MUST READ and a perfect place to build a foundation.
   
   Good luck, fellow real estate investors and happy hunting!

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Apartment Buildings.

1. This is the first book I have read that focused solely on buying multi-family real estate. It uncovered some basic information for me, and I consider it a great primer for future learning before I actually get involved with attempting to purchase anything in commercial real estate. It does seem, as others have mentioned, that the author really wants to up sell you on his other products, but if he's selling something that is worth buying then I am not going to fault him for that. If you are brand new to commercial real estate investing that focuses on apartments and other multi family properties then give this book a day in court. Like the "basic" title says, it's a book on how to buy and sell apartment buildings, and I found it to be a great starting point.



2. provides a good overall basic understanding of buying smaller multifamily properties (2 to 25 unit properties) that will undoubtedly help prevent real estate newbies from losing their shirts.
   anything larger, and you definitely want to make sure that you have a good team around you.



3. This book presents a well written and comprehensive guide to buying and selling apartment buildings. As one who has brokered, managed, and owned a large number of multifamily units, I feel I am fully qualified to endorse this as a competent source of information on the subject.
   
   This book avoids the hype often found in many real estate books and completely disassociates itself with the "get rich quick" mannerisms often seen in guru style books. As a result, this book offers much value as it focuses on principals and sound information giving you an honest and genuine taste for what is involved in this industry.
   
   Buying and selling apartment buildings and becoming successful within the industry is certainly not easy. The best start is building a solid foundation of understanding, and this book accomplishes that task. I would certainly not suggest one should cease their study after a single book, or even a solitary resource for the matter; however, this is a very qualified initiation and one I recommend keeping as a resource.



4. Steve is a prodigious writer of numerous real estate investing books. That said, this one is my favorite. He explains how one can invest in multifamily assets to gain financial independence. He avoids encouraging his readers to speculate in real estate. Instead, he offers sound advice for both the novice and experienced investor alike.
   
   I highly recommend you purchase this book!
   
   Matthew A. Martinez
   Author of Investing in Apartment Buildings: Create a Reliable Stream of Income and Build Long-Term Wealth 2 Years to a Million in Real Estate
   www.matthewamartinez.com



5. This is an excellent book for those starting out in this business. It has motivated me to acquire my first investment property. However, after presenting some of the facts of this book to experienced investor friends, their comment was that the book may be overly optimistic. In particular, Mr. Berges provides an example of how one can virtually double one's capital every 12 months by buying, rehabbing, selling for a profit one's property and rolling it over to a new property doing a like-kind exchange.
   
   What he misses in his computation are the closing costs and commissions one incurs each time one sells a property (which can go up to 6 or 7%). Moreover, investors are skeptical about being able to sell a property after 12 months in this 2008 market.
   
   Nonetheless, most of the other parts of the program are well written and shows the depth of Mr. Berges' experience. The level of financial analysis appeals to me - an ex-banker as the numbers are the end of the day will determine whether one is buying a good deal or not.
   
   I would recommend this book to investors.

5 comments about Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur: What It Takes to Win in High-Stakes Commercial Real Estate.

1. This is the best commercial real estate primer I have ever read. I run a commercial real estate brokerage and this is required reading for all of my agents. I highly recommend it.



2. If you are looking for a step by step buy a house, rehab it, and get rich, please find another book. If you are looking for a dull textbook type presentation you should also pass.
   
   If you are looking for clear explanations of concepts and illustrated with some small case studies to kick start your brain, then this might be just the thing to get you from dreaming to doing.
   
   Although I knew almost all the concepts presented, this book made them much more concrete. I have already begun the process of actually doing instead of sitting on my butt thinking about doing!
   
   Thank You!!



3. Finally a book for someone in the NE to read and understand NE real estate numbers, both insightful and inspirational.



4. This book is absolutely excellent. Jim's writing is straightforward and easy to understand even when he is discussing fairly complex ideas. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in any aspect of commercial Real Estate!



5. Jim Randel shares his 30+ years of real estate experience in this outstanding book. You might not know that he leased Bed, Bath and Beyond space in one of his buildings and they tried to hire him to expand nationwide. He turned down the job. Also, he leased Martha Stewart her first store in the 1980s in Westport, CT. He has closed more than 5,000 transactions as an attorney and is one of the brightest real estate investors in the country. His self-deprecating writing style is refreshing. He once made almost $1,000,000 for an hour long meeting that resulted in a 50/50 split of a brokerage commission. You'll learn more about these stories and much more in "Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur".
   
   You simply must buy this book!

5 comments about Flipping Houses For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. This book was very helpful with a house flipping presentation that I had to do.



2. I have not finished the book yet, but so far it is an easy read. I would reccomend it.



3. One reviewer, who is a realtor, wrote that this book was the greatest ever. It's not, but it is a good book worth owning. Particularily explaining the things to look for when inspecting the property, rehabbing, developing your farm area, and selling your flip. I did learn several things.
   
   There are several things that I'd never recommend that the author expouses and eventually a reader after years of flipping experience will learn. One example is using realtors on the acquiring end. Maybe that's why the reviewer labeled the book the greatest ever. That said the advice given overall is probably good for the novice flipper. No book can keep you from losing money, and realize that most first-time flippers either lose money or make so little that the endeavor was not worth their time of investment. If you don't believe me, just watch the TV shows on flipping. Just understand that they are better ways to find and buy properties, and eventually you'll learn them if you invest in real estate long enough. The advice not to go FSBO is very wise, and I'm not a realtor.



4. This book covers absolutely EVERYTHING involved in flipping houses. It doesn't leave one topic out. It even talks about all the negatives. Topics are covered very well, even has a cheat sheet to take with you!



5. I bought this book for my boyfriend, who knows/knew nothing about flipping, but has a strong interest in learning about the business. He raved about the book! Said it was easy to read and that he learned a lot, he is now on to reading a more advanced book on the topic.

5 comments about 2 Years to a Million in Real Estate.

1. I have been a realtor since 1999 and this is the first book I've read about RE investing that gets to the point. Many other investors like to talk about themselves, which I could care less about. Matthew Martinez gets to the point on how to invest in real estate. By the way he does respond to email, how is that for service. Great book Matthew.
   
   Rick



2. As a bookauthor and investor I highly recommend anyone getting involved in the real estate arena to read Matt's books.
   
   I have personally known the author for many years and I can tell you that there are few top notch investors like him out there that have his knowledge and financial saviness at the time of purchasing and managing multifamily units. We all have a lot to learn from him.
   
   In "2 Years to a Million in Real Estate", I enjoyed reading his stories and the way he positively handled difficult situations with tenants.
   -- A Must read! --



3. I really enjoyed this book. I've read several like it and most are filled with essentially the same point worded differently again and again. This book was not like that at all. Instead, it is a comprehensive, detailed read on all aspects of finding, purchasing and (most importantly) RUNNING a rental business. The author does not pull any punches and delivers clear suggestions, pertinent examples, and ultimately, a well structured missive that should be required reading for anyone looking to learn more about getting into the rental real estate market. Highly recommended.



4. The book gave his account of how he continually acquired real estate properties and became a very successful real estate investor. Unfortunately, his method is a little outdated. Many of the loan programs he discusses are no longer available due to the current mortgage crisis. It's now nearly impossible to acquire a investment property with only 10% down and most people no longer have the equity in their homes to do what he did in 2002.
   He does make some very good points about skipping the properties that don't produce monthly income and I like his strategies to avoid equity-only investing. It's proven to be very good advice since the book was published.
   Overall, I'd recommend it as a read to beginner investors but in today's market, the title just won't hold up.



5. I just finished reading your book. Excellent. The best one I've read yet. It explains the real, traditional way to buy properties.
   
   Robert G.
   Staten Island, NY

5 comments about The Commercial Real Estate Investor's Handbook: A Step-by-Step Road Map to Financial Wealth.

1. The Commercial Real Estate Investor's Handbook A Step-by-Step Road Map to Financial Wealth is an in-depth guide to entering the commercial real estate market. The author takes the reader by the hand in a logical progression from understanding the market to closing the deal. The book is straight forward and makes no promises of instant profit; the author lays out the facts and lets the reader learn what is needed to undertake a commercial real estate investment. The book is written in a way that takes all the mystery out of the whole process and the reader is left feeling that commercial real estate investment can be achieved by anyone willing to follow the steps laid out in black and white.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever contemplated trying to enter this market. It will, at the very least, let the reader know if it is right for him or her. This book is also useful to those who have already entered the market but would like to expand into other commercial endeavors.



2. THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTOR'S HANDBOOK: A STEP-BY-STEP ROAD MAP TO FINANCIAL WEALTH is for any who would invest in a commercial building, whether it be a warehouse, apartment, shopping center, hotel or other type of commercial income property. Beginners receive tips on how to find deals, how to finance wisely, and how to make purchase offers, with many case history examples and tips on taxation and development included along with math calculations and sample forms. It's a 'must' for any collection catering to real estate readers.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. Five of five stars! This book covers the risks and rewards of real estate investing, along with types of investments, the basics of getting started, factors affecting commercial real estate values, understanding real estate market psychology, sources of financing, finding profitable deals, and financing. In short, it covers everything a beginner would need or want to know before embarking on this type of investment.
   
   That's not all it covers. There's also information about commercial real estate loan documents, an explanation of leases, negotiating purchase agreements, managing tenants, insurance, sale of commercial real estate properties, marketing real estate properties, and taxes. Two appendices include sample lease forms. A glossary is beneficial to beginners who haven't yet mastered real estate and investment terminology.
   
   The Commercial Real Estate Investor's Handbook: A Step by Step Road Map to Financial Wealth is definitely not boring or dry. It's an interesting, practical and informative book that anyone considering real estate investing should invest in (no pun intended).



4. Before I started reading "The Commercial Real Estate Handbook for Investors," I tried to prepare myself for a "dry read". However, I was pleasantly surprised. The concepts and explanations are written in a crisp and conversational tone. The author also explains the buzz words in real estate and how it pertains to the bottom line of your investment strategy. This book has it all, from goal setting to definitions of real estate terms to sample emails that should be sent to keep a deal alive. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. The concepts are such that you can apply them to not only real estate but other types of business as well.



5. When a book claims to be "a step by step road map to financial wealth," one might raise a cynical eyebrow and move on. Doing so in the case of Steven D. Fisher's The Commercial Real Estate Investor's Handbook would be foolish. This is no get rich quick manual, however, and Fisher is clear to point out that winning in commercial real estate requires hard work, a determined effort, and the proper mindset.
   
   Borrowing concepts espoused by wealth producing experts Napoleon Hill, Stephen R. Covey, Dale Carnegie and others, Fisher has created a powerful step-by-step commercial real estate guide by implementing classic self-improvement principles and applying them to a specific field.
   
   Highlights include a mindset questionnaire, how to get started, career options in real estate, sources available, different types of financing, negotiating, and closing the deal. Unlike most real estate investment handbooks, Fisher explains how to manage the property after the purchase, and how to sell it down the road.
   
   The ultimate question is whether or not an average person could take the information contained in The Commercial Real Estate Investor's Handbook and transact a profitable deal. If you're looking to invest in commercial real estate or are open to new methods of amassing wealth, I suggest you pick up the book, and find out for yourself. You'll be very pleased.

5 comments about FLIP: How to Find, Fix, and Sell Houses for Profit.

1. Good read for a beginning real estate flipper.
   
   Goes over the art of the flip from start to finish and highlights the dangers of under-estimating budgets, over estimating sales prices and projected profits.
   
   The book also exposes why all the fancy-shmancy popular tv shows dedicated to flipping are not accurately portraying the costs involved involved in the "flip." for example SARA bought the house for 100,000 , put $30,000 of work into it and sold it for $160,000 leaving her a profit of $30,000 =) ... Yeah right, minus all the soft "quiet" costs and your $30,000 suddenly becomes $30.00
   
   To the beginning real estate investor, this is a great book to start with.
   To the seasoned real estate investor, you can probably just skim through it.
   
   I guess i am in the minority according in that i did not like the writing style of the author involving the broken story line was broken up and inserted into various chapters. I found it rather unnecessary.



2. I am reviewing this book as someone who has flipped a few properties over the last several years. I have had (3) minor successes and (1) big flop, learing various lessons along the way. I found this book to be a comprehensive and enlightining read! I wish I had this book years ago (I believe I would have done much better). The authors have covered every area of the flip including the pitfalls that turn a flip into a flop! There are several things that make this book a must have resource: the detailed step-by-step construction plan (doing projects out of order can kill your margin), the book also provides a comprehensive cost analysis (including several things that most investors miss). These numbers are presented in an an easy to compute formula that, in the end, tell you exactly what to offer for the propery on the front-end of the deal. This is truly a must have book if you are interested in flipping!



3. This is the best book on the subject that I have read. Unlike other books on the same subject, this book actually shows you how to do it. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of entering the business. It is a must have.



4. I'm just getting started in the FLIPping business, but I know one thing for sure: this is one of the very best books I've ever read, on any subject. The text is extremely clear, with very specific examples, tables & charts, and even online tools. It's head and shoulders above any of the other books I've read on the subject.
   
   I'm a retired physician, so trust me...I'm a doctor! LOL!



5. I actually borrowed this book from the library and decided to buy it because I wanted to highlight and circle different parts for easy reference. Definitely a good buy and comes w/ great spreadsheets and checklists when looking through possible flips.
   
   Happy Flipping!

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens & Deeds: How to Earn High Rates of Return - Safely.

1. So what the heck are "tax lien instruments" and why would you want to invest in them? That's what I asked myself when I picked up this book. By the time I was done reading, I not only had the answers I needed, I couldn't wait to get started!
   
   As you'll learn in this complete how-to from Jamaine Burrell, there's enormous profit to be made in the little-known, but high-yield goldmines found in tax liens and deeds. IF you do it right. With these tax lien secrets, proven ideas, and hands-on hints compiled from thousands of hours spent talking to the tax lien pros, it's a can't miss. Yes! If you know what you're doing, you can take advantage of high tax lien returns, with little or no risk. And this book shows you how--from start to finish.
   
   -- Robert Gardner



2. Tax lien and tax deed investing are complicated subjects, made even more complicated by the huge variations in laws from state to state. This book explains the different details with great clarity.
   
   The book opens with general chapters that explain why the differences between tax liens and tax deeds, the things an investor must consider when planning such an investment, and guidelines that will help make the process more comfortable. For example, even an experienced investor may have little experience with auctions, which is the method most governments use to sell tax liens and deeds - "The Complete Guide" has tips on what to bring and do in those situations.
   
   Also in the early chapters, Burrell uses real world examples to help explain points - showing, for example, the forms used to register for an auction in Los Angeles. Later, Burrell discusses subjects like foreclosing (the painful part for those of us without thick skin) and getting financing for a tax lien or tax deed investment.
   
   However, the key parts of the book are the tables (I think there are about 20); Chapter 12, which has a comprehensive breakdown of the different state laws; and the exceptionally comprehensive, 60-page (you read that right!) glossary.



3. From reading the cover you might think this is another get rich quick idea. After reading the book, however, you'll find a hype-free matter of fact approach. All the benefits and pitfalls (at least that I could think of) are covered. I went to a seminar where someone pitched an expensive package of services to help someone who wanted to invest in tax lien certificates. Instead I bought this book. It will answer your questions and help you decide if you want to proceed. What the book does not include are all the little details you'll need to actually execute a purchase. This varies a lot by state and would require the book to double in size. So, if you just want to know about these investments, I recommend this book. If you are ready to invest, you'll need more information.



4. Tax lien investing is interesting. They are touted as a surefire winning ivestments and many "experts" offer training costing thousands of dollars to "train" you on how to invest in these "goldmines". Do yourself a favor, buy this book and avoid the seminars. You are going to learn by experience and this book will help you get started. The seminars are simply going to part you and your money. Tax liens are not as easy as they sound. You cannot simply go down to the courthouse and buy a 25% lien. Most people trying to get you into this game neglect to mention the fact that large companies will flood the market with lowball offers to obtain a majority of the better tax liens.



5. The Complete Guide to Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens & Deeds: How to Earn High Rates of Return - Safely
   "By far the most through and comprensive of any book I have found anywhere on this subject of Investing in Tax Liens"! Has enabled me to make a considerable amount over the past few months with very little effort.

5 comments about The Wall Street Journal. Complete Real-Estate Investing Guidebook.

1. This book has a lot of very good points and ideas, but it won't be the last book you'll need. This book does offer a very handy list of websites and other suggested readings in the appendix. Overall, a solid book, but you will need to do more research for many real estate concepts.



2. First of all, this book is remarkable for being totally devoid of B.S.
   How often can you say that about a book on any topic? Seems like a good jumping off point for a potential investor like myself. It's very broad and very basic. Mr. Crook employs a refreshing blend of encouragement and realism with an emphasis on discipline and preparedness.
   While his approach rings true, I have a minor issue with his criticism of people with nice cars, boats, mansions, etc. as I believe there could be a season in life to enjoy those things responsibly if one so chooses. Besides this small bit of moral snobbery this was the perfect read for someone in my position.



3. This is a good book with a unique point of view. It covers a very broad range of topics including financing, commercial, and others. The book offers some good advice. I did find it a little dry and drawn out at times. Regardless, a good source of practical information to round out your real estate studies. This book doesn't focus on this point and time in real estate but more of a timeless strategy.



4. The book is an excellent reference and it's a good book to follow for planning your financial life style without being a dreamer.



5. I've been reading a lot of real estate investment books lately. This one started out really strong, but seemed to fall apart at the end. It felt as if it lacked a concluding statement or overarching idea that drew the entire piece together. Still, for the beginning investor it has some very good ideas.
   
   Biggest plus: outright denouncement of the all-too-common "get-rich-quick" schemes one finds so often in real estate books.