5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying Foreclosures, 2nd Edition (Complete Idiot's Guide to).

1. Provides a large amount of information in a concise but easy-to-read format. Considering all of the nuances of buying foreclosures, from the legal considerations to the occupation stage, the author does a good job of capturing and conveying the essentials. The author also does a good job of communicating both public and private foreclosure opportunities, which is important in many states.
   The author focuses primarily on 'investing in foreclosures' vs. 'buying a foreclosure for your primary residence.' Consider this when comparing to other books.
   Could have used more specific information on where to look for foreclosure opportunities, but the book does mention that actively searching and networking is a key to the game.
   Overall, a good, easy read with valuable information for anyone wishing to enhance their real estate expertise.



2. This is a comical and resourceful guide to foreclosures, offering an easy to read handbook on how to invest in govt or bank foreclosed properties. Other titles that helped me about foreclosures -- Investing With out Losing: The Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Tax Lien and Tax Deed Auctions



3. I've always enjoyed the Complete Idiot Guide series. Why? Because it delivers the message down to earth. It takes highly complexed legal matters and shows you step by step on how to invest in foreclosures. If you want to make money in foreclosures or have wanted to invest in them, you need to read this book.
   
   Matt
   Illustrator for the Ultimate Foreclosure Kit (ISBN 0978834658)



4. This is a very informative book. It doesn't mess around with a lot of fluff. I highly recomend it!



5. Sunday, May 6, 2007
   
   For a newbie, this is an excellent introduction. It shows you the way to proceed, if you're serious about trying. For the price, it is a bargin and should be kept as a reference. If you're like me, a yellow lighter can be quite helpfull. Well worth the price when you consider the large sums of money that can be involved.

5 comments about Building Wealth One House at a Time: Making it Big on Little Deals.

1. John Schaub's book is a must read for all Real Estate Invesotrs. From the beginner to the experienced investor, all will gain some very useful insight from this book.
   It is not a get rich quick book hyping up Real Estate, but rather a very
   low no nonsense way to wealth build through Real Estate one house at a time. John Schaub is not just a promoter, he still buys and sells houses for his own portfolio today.
   It's great to learn from such a pro. He also does a couple of seminars a year on Real Estate. They are also a must for any one wanting to get into the Business (I've been to several of them-they are great!).
   Bottom line-Great Book, a must read.
   Reggie Lal, Be The Smart Investor . com



2. This is one of the outstanding real estates investment books on the market. John Schuab writes as one who has years of experience and knows the ropes.
   
   The advice in this book is rock solid: buy good houses in good neighborhoods, learn to buy at wholesale prices, and attract long-term low-maintenance tenants who will pay off your loans and improve your property value.
   
   One thing I really like about this book is that John Schuab sees the big picture. He may act in the short-term, but he always has a view of the long-term consequences. So, he doesn't' buy a house because it is priced well, or near a school or a shopping mall. He's thinking 20-30 years ahead to what that house's value and rental desirability will be way down the line.
   
   You have to admire that kind of thinking. That's the kind of thinking that invests in houses that will pay big dividends. Good investments and patience pay off in John Schuab's world. Patience is more than a virtue with John Schuab, it's a commandment. The guy still has the first house that he bought 30 years ago, and its one of his best rentals.
   
   Lincoln said, "I will study and get ready, and perhaps my chance will come." "Building Wealth One House at a Time" is one book worth studying.
   
   
   Terry Sprouse -- author of the book "Fix 'em Up, Rent 'em Out: How to Start Your Own House Fix-up and Rental Business in Your Spare Time"



3. This is just great basic but very valuable information, and a keeper for a long term reference for anyone investing in houses. I've been a student of John's (and also Peter Fortunato, who has also commented here), for years and always continue to learn from his good quality advise.
   
   I've bought several and give them away to folks that ask about how to invest in real estate and has been a great start for several and a good reference for experienced investors that often find themselves venturing into high risk, marginal properties instead of staying with a good old house.



4. This book is especially great for a beginner. It made concepts that I have read about in other books much clearer. If you are thinking about investing in real estate, this book will help you. If you have read other books and want to gain a better understanding, or have things simplified for you,this book will help you.



5. Schaub provides a common sense approach to building equity over time via long-term ownership of single-family homes. Purchase one or more homes per year at 90% or less of market value, place 10% or less of the purchase price down and pay no more than a 10% interest rate. If you then hold those homes until they double in value, you may be on your way to generating over $1 million in equity in less than 10 years. Apply the "Rule of 72" (72/projected property appreciation rate per year)to project the holding period necessary for the home to double in value.
   
   Unfortunately, Schaub does not advocate that a property should produce a positive cash flow, instead assuming that an investment home will appreciate 5% per year year in and year out. Such appreciation may or may not occur. What happens if you purchase a house that merely breaks even (rental revenues cover operating expenses, capital improvements and mortgage payments) but the house declines in value due to a falling local real estate market? This is currently the case throughout Florida, Nevada, Arizona, California, etc.
   
   Some of the non-investment advice is rather basic (i.e., don't quit your day job until you have an emergency cash reserve), but the book provides a feasible road map to generating wealth via single-family real estate investments.

5 comments about Fix 'em Up, Rent 'em Out: How to Start Your Own House Fix-up & Rental Business in Your Spare Time; or, Investing in Real Estate and Creating Wealth with Fixer-Upper Houses.

1. Having read numerous books on investing in real estate, I agree with a lot of the other reviewers on this site that these books' strategies don't apply to a lot of people. No matter what the infomercial or the tag line on the books state, you often need more start-up funds than the average person has. In this book, though, Sprouse gives advice to the "average" person and does not take a get-rich-quick approach to real estate. Instead, he has an almost zen-like approach to fixing up and renting out homes--start slowly and enjoy the journey (even when it is difficult). The advice is straightforward and can work in any type of real estate market, which is especially important now when so many house flippers are in trouble.



2. This is a great book for those looking to learn more about the work involved in and the strategies for making money buying homes that need work. Sprouse covers the main issues involved in selecting, financing, fixing and renting out (or living in) fixer uppers. With all the foreclosures on the market right now, there maybe no better time to purchase a home that needs work in order to make a few repairs and hold the property while the market rebounds. This is a great resource for those looking to take on the risks, work and rewards of the current housing market.



3. Terry Sprouse's was very helpful. I appreciated the way he helped me figure out how to assess whether a property would be profitable, how to find tenants and how to make the tax laws work for me.
   
   Even in this depreciated housing market, all too often finding a house that will be profitable is a trick. It requires the right house, the right price, the right renters and an understanding of the tax considerations.



4. 
   
   I found this book to be loaded with sound advice. I was able to gleam much information based on the authors actual experience in the rental property business. Not only was his experience appreciated but I also appreciated the fact that he was able to start this venture while still keeping his current job.
   
   In chapter two, Terry covered some of the reasons our family has gotten started into the buying and fixing up of rental properties. Retirement and concerns with the current state of the economy ranked high for us. As we approached the age of 40 we were looking for a better way to secure our future retirement years. Since my husbands work field is in home building & remodeling it seemed foolish not to use our knowledge and skills to work for us. This book helps us learn the areas of the rental business we are not so familiar with.
   
   I think anyone reading this book would feel confident to try the rental property business. In Terry's book he covers the best way to learn, by watching and than doing it yourself. He also supplies plenty of tips about what to watch for when considering a property you want to purchase. Not all properties will work in our favor. Terry makes several points as to some of the things you need to watch out for. All very good and needed advice for anyone starting out.
   
   Let's face it we all wish we had a bag of extra money lying around so we can buy our first property. We didn't! This is a big challenge for many people who wish to get started. Terry discusses different types of financing so you can consider what would work best in your situation. Terry also suggests his favorite method of starting out which allows you to takeadvantage of the
   1997 Taxpayer Relief Act. This is valuable information.
   
   My favorite chapters included Terry's wise advice on how to keep track of items for tax purposes and how to handle problems with tenants. With 6 children, I especially appreciated his understanding on how to involve children in the process. I have read several real estate books and none have ever touched on this topic.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about the rental property business. Not only is it easy to read and understand but it is also ideal for anyone wanting to start out fixing up homes or for anyone already involved in the rental property business. We all have so much to share about our experiences and Terry does just that, he shares his experience with a great outlook to the future that others can follow so that they to can succeed.



5. I have long been intrigued about investing in real estate but have hesitated because there are so many scam artists out there willing to trade on one's naivete and lead you down paths that will end in ruin.
   
   Making money in real estate the old-fashioned way -- by the kind of hard work and staying power that Terry Sprouse advocates -- appeals to both my conservative self and my risk-taking self. For people like me who haven't yet taken the dive, the best part of this book is the author's upbeat conclusion that you can accomplish far more than you ever imagined possible if you're willing to invest the time and learn the business. If you are intimidated, as I am, by the thought of even picking up a screwdriver, this kind of encouragement is invaluable. Terry Sprouse is a credible advocate because he's been there, and truly has done that.

5 comments about Investing in REITs: Real Estate Investment Trusts: Third Edition.

1. Most investors can point to an elite handful of teachers that they would credit for their investment success and overall knowledge of markets. Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch, and perhaps John Bogle are the best-known great friends of the individual investor in our generation. I don't say this lightly, but for any investor trying to get a handle on the REIT asset class, Ralph Block is in their esteemed company.
   
   You won't find a more clearly written book about REITs anywhere, and beginning investors to hedge fund managers would be well-advised to digest everything that Ralph puts forth in his continually updated books on REITs. The metrics used to evaluate REITs, the forces which make them rise and fall, and their tax implications are different enough from other asset classes that any conscientious investor should keep this book handy. Ralph does a masterful job of making this fine asset class easier to understand, and he helps investors know where to spot risk, growth, management excellence and ultimately, opportunity.
   
   REITs have gone from being an undiscovered backwater in the investment world (perhaps because so many real estate limited partnerships in the 1980's were indeed toxic waste) but today they are clearly mainstream. Investors need to understand what they own, and Ralph's book helps readers understand exactly that. He writes in a clear, succinct fashion that is manna from heaven for both the new investor and private equity guy alike. People focusing on P/E ratios, MACD divergences and EBITDA would be well-served to invest a little time and a teensy amount of money in this book to get a handle on AFFOs, NAVs, and most importantly, great REIT management teams.
   
   Ralph is a looong-time REIT investor, has been a top-rated REIT fund manager and he has a unique perspective on this important asset class. His contributions to REIT understanding have been recognized by NAREIT (the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts) and by many individual investors through his books and his well-received contributions on The Motley Fool message boards. Feel confident that purchasing his book is a good decision on your part.



2. More and more financial advisers suggest investing in REITs. But are they another real-estate investment fad, like the "real estate limited partnerships" of the 1980s? Not at all, says Ralph L. Block, an experienced REIT portfolio manager and former securities attorney. In this clear, sensible book, Block provides an engaging overview of REITs and the underlying real-estate market in which they invest. Block's self-deprecating, casual style is refreshing, and the book assumes little background knowledge of finance, economics or real estate (though it does bog down occasionally in accounting minutiae). In addition to learning about REITs, you'll also get a painless refresher on investment basics at no extra cost. We recommend this book to prudent, buy-and-hold investors who want to know if REITs are right for them.



3. I came across the first edition of this book in my local library (along with Mullaney's book on REITs). That edition hit all the right notes, and as expected from someone who manages an REIT fund, Block reserves considerable space in the book for his pitch for the REIT as a great investment vehicle. Overall, I found the first edition to be balanced, even-handed and a solid introduction to the REIT, though I did have a few criticisms about REITs in general. These are the following:
   
   1. REITs generally are high yield investments. Block failed to address the common dangers associated with any high yield investment, and he did not mention any specific means for the investor (particularly small investors like myself) to shield these juicy yields from the tax man. In passing, over the long term, I am of the opinion that carefully selected REITs will provide an adequate total return, and the prudent small investor would do well to include a select few of them in a Roth IRA.
   
   2. Block tries to compare REITs with other income producing stocks, and generally fails in this regard. Though REITs have similarities to utilities and preferred stock (the one over-riding similarity being the fat yield), there are too many differences between REITs and other income producing investments to make a fair comparison.
   
   3. I believe that an REIT should be evaluated as a common stock first, and then as a real estate play second, rather than the other way around, as Block preferred to do. Granted, the basic nature of the activity should be taken into account, but one should never forget that the publicly traded REIT is a stock. That said, less attention should be paid to the FFO (funds from operation) or AFFO and more should be paid to net income. FFO can be gamed, as Block correctly pointed out, by the creative interpretation as to what constitutes depreciation (FFO is typically defined as net income, less capital gains on sale of real estate, plus depreciation).
   
   4. Block correctly identified the importance of capital structure for the REIT, and did a good job of explaining the REITs need for capital infusions. Intelligent investors in this activity would do well to keep in mind that institutional players get to participate in REITs as either bond-holders or preferred holders, and thus they get sweeter deals than the little guy, who, unless he participates through a mutual fund, will almost always participate as a common stock holder. Moreover, the little guy gets paid his dividend AFTER the institutional players get their cut. Also, I disagree with Block's notion that market cap is a good indicator of REIT capitalization. Essentially, I feel that REIT capitalization is best measured by the balance sheet ( debt load plus cash position and equity), and while not the best measure of capitalization, it is, in my opinion (which granted ain't worth much)better than the use of a subjective measure which changes as market conditions change.
   
   5. I found it odd that Block did not mention the importance of cash flow for the REIT. At a minimum, the REIT has to be able to service its debts. An REIT with a weak cash position and cash flow constraints can not deliver a fat yield for long. Intelligent investors in this activity would do well to be very wary of an REIT that pays out more in dividends than it actually earns in net income per share. An outfit doing this is generally eroding its cash position, thus weakening its ability to service its debts and making it vulnerable to adverse external conditions.
   
   6. My last point is perhaps the most important. The little guy looking to profit in this space is up against 1) insttitutional players who can get sweeter deals as mentioned before and 2) real estate pros who are closer to the various real estate markets and eat, sleep and breathe real estate 24/7. The little guy would do well to know market cycles, specific property types and demographic trends very well before looking at REIT investments. Also, the pros more typically have access to a greater variety and volume of information than is typical in more traditional common stock investment, so on that score, the small investor is fairly well disadvantaged. Thus, I am of the opinion that REIT investment may require a lot more work for a little extra gain, so it is best to dabble lightly in this space.
   
   In sum, this book, now in its third edition, makes for a good starting point for REIT investment. In passing, a more accessible, albeit dated text on REIT investment is John A. Mullaney's REITs: Building Profits with Real Estate Investment Trusts. Those of you looking to invest with safety and success in this space would do well to pick up the latter book and memorize Chapter 16 of the text word for word.



4. Great book for someone trying to get a basic understanding of REITs written from an investor's perspective.



5. After doing lots of reading from investing books, I wanted to learn more about the REIT asset class of investments. This book had some good information, but the main information I was looking for was how taxes are reported and why they are fairly complicated. The author only gave a two page appendix on taxes. I felt like he spent way too much time on why you should invest in REIT's and the aspects of when to buy and what to look for individual REIT's and not the big picture of owning REIT's in an mutual fund or REIT index fund. I was more concerned on how taxes affect your investment's location (Taxable vs. Tax Advantaged) and that was totally ignored. Dissapointed.

5 comments about Investing in Income Properties: The Big Six Formula for Achieving Wealth in Real Estate.

1. I loved this book. I love that the formula is simple. I have been looking at proeprties here in Miami and also at properties that I have bought in the past. It is clear from my past that if I had followed the BIG 6 I would have been better off. I highly reccomend this book if you are searching for financial independnce though the purchase of income properties. Just hitting one property with the BIG 6 could make you and your family financially independent for life. I will never buy another property that does not have the Big Six.



2. Ken Rosen shares with the reader his vast experience in his latest book, Investing in Income Properties. The book covers all facets of the process of searching for, purchasing and maintaining an Income Property. His grasp of the subject stems from his many years of hands-on experience in real estate, and he presents all the information in a clear, concise and accessible narration that readers will find pleasant to read. His Big Six Formula, combined with his use of real-life stories and hypothetical examples allows the reader to participate in the process instead of just reading about the process. If you own or are interested in owning income properties, Ken Rosen's "Investing In Income Properties" is a must-read!



3. With nearly 30 years in commercial real estate, I continue to learn from seasoned veterans like Ken Rosen. Ken is an accomplished real estate professional, investor and educator. I am honored to be a part of this book which provides easy to understand and down to earth advice for anyone who needs to learn about commercial real estate or wants to invest in real estate. I have read many "how to succeed" books over the years; and none have been as complete and informative as "The Big Six". This is real; a methodical approach to wealth and security. Ken's book teaches how to build a successful real estate portfolio one step at a time. Readers need to bear in mind that the right investment demands determination, patience, diligence and perseverence. Do your homework and let "others" help build your wealth and pay your mortgage as they pay their rent.



4. Kenneth D. Rosen has constructed a concise yet thorough digest of investing in commercial real estate. He has reinforced previously learned concepts and opened my eyes to other pathways. The book is extremely well written and logically guides one's search for successful endeavors in investing. The language is clear, simple, and follows a natural sequence. It lends itself to the syllabus of a M.B.A. business school in its scope.



5. Excellent book for commercial Real Estate.
   I suggest you to read it for a better understanding of how a market works.
   
   I am currently looking for a position in commercial Real Estate.
   I have a bachelor degree in Real Estate and Finance.
   [...]

5 comments about Making Big Money Investing In Foreclosures Without Cash or Credit, 2nd Ed..

1. Just finished reading Peter Conti's Making Big Money in Forclosures, 2nd Edition and I thought it was great! If you plan on investing in the forclosure market any time soon you should do yourself a favor and read this book so you will have the very latest information available. Thanks again Peter! James Stokes



2. This book was very easy to read, understand and to comprehend.
   The author explains things very well and in laymen's terms.
   I highly recommend this book to anybody wants to get a headstart working with foreclosures



3. There are many good ways to buy properties in this book but, some seem a little sketchy. They really push keeping the houses for your future, but do you really want to be a landlord, I don't and would rather sell and move on, who wants to deal with that. I have friends with properties and it is a constant pain in the b..., if you don't know how to fix small problems yourself you will be constantly hiring someone else to fix them and there goes all your profits. Peter never talks about taxes either rather painting a great picture of profit, yes he does talk about writing off the interest, but never about Capitol Gains tax that you will have to pay when you sell the house no matter how long you own it, you don't have to pay it if you live in the house for two years but if you rent you will. There is defiantly money to be made now and in the coming years and I will use some of the resources (They give you access to there wed site for free) and ideas in this book to make some money, but think long and hard were you buy (neighborhood etc.) and if there is really enough profit in the property after you pay your real estate people, Taxes and other expenses. Good luck!!!



4. This is a remarkably bad book. The advice takes the form of vague concepts - there's not one practical course of action laid out in this book in a usable form, but you'll get a lot of anecdotal ramblings about the author's big successes exploiting one-time opportunities in contrived scenarios. Legal considerations? Nope, look elsewhere.



5. I have this book it is one of many in my arsenal of books. Peter Conti Covers a variety of different strategies. Definitely a resourceful book for newbies who like to devour information. Just do it Real Estate Investing is the way to go!
   
   Chiconya Washington

5 comments about The BEST Damn Commercial Real Estate Investing Book Ever Written!.

1. I agree with the book's title, and found it to be just right for anyone who, like me, is perched on the brink of jumping from residential to commercial investment properties. One of the most important things I learned from the book is how to avoid wasting money and time during the search phase. Monica has given me the knowledge and courage to make the leap into new geographic markets where the cash flow yield is more favorable, rather than trying to stay close to home where the real estate is pricey and cap rates are relatively low. Monica tells it like it is based upon her own real experiences! (Also, she responded to my email with a very informative reply within a day!)



2. It all became clear to me once I tripped over the twentieth punctuation or grammatical error. What publisher would let this book be sold without a decent proofreader? Ahh, self-published. Grammatical errors bother me more than they should, but what does it communicate about the content? The author has made millions in three short years, and has decided that although she is still learning, this is the best time to write a book for beginners. She also started her own TV show or infomercial (it's not completely clear), seminars, and offers herself as a mentor! Oh, and there's a blog here on Amazon.
   
   I'm sure she is getting very wealthy. The hubris involved in naming this book, as well as the seminars and mentoring, is staggering. I'm new enough to this that I can't evaluate the content. But I know I can't completely count on it. Just look at that punctuation!



3. What an easy read, couldn't put the book down. This is no dumb blond. She is honest with what she says, and thorough with the info. best of all as i said an easy read, while being technical. This woman is gifted. I am inspired and excited knowing that commercial real estate takes work, but the returns justify the amount of work involved. This book needs to be read and then read again and work with it... develop an outline for your self with her instructions, and get to work..... and forget luck, need luck resort back to her book.... after all luck is only the end result of good preparation and hard work....



4. I have read several investment books this summer. This book had lot of grammatical errors but did reveal a real life view of the author's success. Unfortunately, besides the apartment condo conversion there was not a lot of more specific examples or experiences. I was expecting to hear a little about shopping centers, office space among other things. The "Best" is a bit exaggerated to say the least.



5. A friend gave me this book to read. Now that I think of it, he probably just wanted to get rid of it.
   
   At best, it's a cursory review of trivial commercial real estate investment strategies--none of which are particularly creative or new. At worst, it's a fashion magazine with a somewhat attractive cover girl. Sorry. Big thumbs down.
   
   Not everyone is meant to be an author.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Plan from the Experts Who Do It Every Day.

1. The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property by Teri B. Clark is a truthful account of what owning rental property will entail. It is a good resource for anyone thinking about becoming a landlord for the first time. It is useful for current rental property owners, as it contains information on applicable taxes and laws. It provides links to all 50 state laws and document templates for easy use and reference. Within the book, the author explains the different types of real estate investments, types of landlord/tenant situations, how to choose an appropriate rental property, and different lending options. This book is an easy read and should be part of every would-be or current homeowner/rental property owner's library. In addition, I believe it would prove useful to retirees since it explains how to use real estate for retirement investment purposes.



2. If you're ready to begin investing in your first rental property, or you represent a general lending library catering to new investors and real estate acquirers, then The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property is an essential pick. The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property covers the basics of property selection, acquisition, marketing, housing regulations, taxes, and more. The first (and best) place to prepare for real estate investment.



3. Have you noticed how many "reality" TV shows on cable are about buying, selling, renovating, or flipping homes? Whether life is imitating art, or vice versa, the popularity of some form of real estate investing in the U.S. seems to be very apparent. That's in part why Teri Clark's new book, The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property, is so timely and useful. Whether you are a first-time investor or even have a few rental properties under your belt, you will benefit from the guidance presented in this book.
   
   Even when the market is considered soft and the economy unsettled, Clark maintains that "real estate is one of the few investments that offers a secure and steady return on investment (ROI) even in times of uncertainty." In her very readable, accessible new book, Clark provides the necessary tools to help the average person evaluate and chose investment properties perhaps as an alternative to putting your money into the stock market. She also outlines the drawbacks as well as the benefits of real estate, so any potential investor should of course proceed with caution.
   
   The book provides plain-language explanations of what actually is involved in being a landlord, how to identify appropriate properties, determining positive or negative cash flow, loan options, managing tenants, rehabbing properties, navigating tax and housing law, and other key issues. The book also contains many real-world case studies, investor insights, and bullet points to put all the material in context. There is even a section in the book on using a self-directed IRA as a vehicle for buying real estate. (While the material on using the Internet for real estate investing does seem to be stating the obvious, an author never can tell the full extent of the reader's knowledge in this area.) Additional resources include a detailed glossary of real estate terminology and sample forms and contracts.
   
   In general, by the time you finish the book, you will have the necessary background to start investing in rental properties, whether your goal is additional income, building equity, accumulating a retirement nest egg, or all of the above. However, as Clark points out, you must work closely with your team (including tax accountant, real estate lawyer, lenders, and other professionals) before taking the leap. While Clark suggests that it is "always" the right time to buy, remember, due diligence is crucial as there are many variables in play. As the author explains, "If you know what you want out of a rental property, have your finances in order, have a network in place, and have done your research, you are ready to begin."
   
   Do you really have what it takes to be a landlord if not an up-and-coming land baron? Read this book and find out!



4. As concerns about the housing market rise, The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property comes at the most fitting time. The book brilliantly takes the elusive, impossible quality away from the idea of purchasing rental property. The soft economy has many running for the hills but Teri. B. Clark uses case studies, experts and first hand accounts to show that real estate is still one of the most effective paths to wealth.
   
   It is not, however, instant or easy money; According to the investors in her book, there's a lot to learn and a lot to do but the rewards are well worth it. The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property will explain how to use others' money to purchase property, what makes a property worth investing in, how to weigh the risks, how to invest through a self-directed IRA, how to develop your own real estate team and how to find quality tenants.
   
   It also breaks down important need-to-know legislative acts that ensure your fairness to renters. Clark takes you by the hand, explaining property terms and walks you through the process, sorting out your loan options. Beginning and advanced investors can learn the proper way to make money now and later with their real estate property. In conclusion, the public needs this book.



5. If you are just starting out and want a single source to learn what you need know from start to finish, get this book - plain and simple.

5 comments about The Part-Time Real Estate Investor: How to Generate Huge Profits While Keeping Your Day Job.

1. Not only was this an enjoyable read, but also intriguing. I have always wondered how it would be to dabble in real estate. The Part-Time Real Estate Investor lets you see into this world, and actually see yourself in it. Mr. Blacharski gives all the detail a reader needs to jump in and invest in that first property. He outlines how to proceed slowly at first and become knowledgeable about your properties. Then take it to the next level to build a real estate portfolio. The information in this book will give you the confidence to delve into investing for yourself.
   
   This book not only gives you solid advice and strategy, but also discusses and dispels many of the get rich quick schemes that have been so popular of late. You can not get something for nothing and the author explains exactly how the "no money down" schemes work. There are lots of easy to follow financial examples that demonstrate how to figure profits, expenses, closing costs and the like. When he talks about doing things that are risky, because nothing in this world is secure, it really hit's the mark with me. This book goes into detail about the confusing real estate world. It's really a no nonsense guide to real estate investing.
   
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone - really! This may very well change your life.



2. It is always easy to write a review on a book that appeals to you right from the beginning. And these words are heartfelt. Of course, to see whether this book is good or bad, in any sense, we have to read it. So pluck up your spirits and open it! Once you have done it, it is almost impossible to put the book down.
   To better understand how the money world works you do not have to spend years of research and live your life in secret labs. Simply go out for it. Money world is around you, maybe even in your neighborhood. That is what Dan W. Blacharski, the author of the book, tries to explain. But do not get discouraged thinking that the author is going to give a lecture -- one of the many on `How to Get Rich in a Fortnight' we can attend any time in any city of the country. That is quite another story.
   
   Holding in mind that there are still lots of things to learn, we are free to choose between seminars, real estate programs and the books on the corresponding topic. I am not sure of whether these seminars are useful, but I am pretty certain of the fact that Part-Time Real Estate Investor really inspires. I am not a real estate guru in terms of buying and selling, but I devoured this book within a single day. Moreover, next morning my first purchase was a newspaper with lots of real estate related materials. Am I going to be an investor? I am sure I am going to try.
   
   The majority of people out there think starting their own business is a risk and even a waste of time. Let them think so. I am sure we are not this kind of men. Yes, there are some obstacles on your way to good money and even wealth. But they are nothing comparing with what you will get. Dan W. Blacharski gives compact and precise information on how the whole business works. Unlike the lecturers and tutors in a college, the author opens you the doors to the core of real estate business and quite clearly states that `there really are no secrets in real estate wealth building'.
   
   The book is perfectly designed. The chapters consist of subtitles, which give you direct information on how this or that method/trick works or does not work. Then there are lots of myths of the trade that help you escape the reefs of the business. PART-TIME REAL ESTATE INVESTOR TIP is a common insertion where the author either summarizes the ideas of the chapter or provides examples of real estate routine work. Such notions as creative financing, REIT, tax deduction, promotion of homeownership are not just labels -- they are thoroughly explored and clearly explained by the author. A friend of mine, who is a teacher, said when she finished the book, "Well, this book sounds like Zero Conditional!" I could not have expressed myself better.
   
   You know, after the first reading of Part-Time Real Estate Investor I was not satisfied. I realized I need a second reading. I was so much overwhelmed by the book having finished the last chapter that I was thinking of it the whole night. The whole business turns out to be quite a nice deal to try and there are no limitations! Real estate investors get to be rich by learning from their mistakes, and by not giving up after the first failure. Paraphrasing Margaret Thatcher's famous words, I want to say that you have to sell/buy a house more than one to get rich. And frankly, that seems not a very hard work to do...
   



3. 
   The Part-Time Real Estate Investor: How to Generate Huge Profits While Keeping Your Day Job, by Dan W. Blacharski, is a wonderful and inspiring book that is presented with humor, information and insight for the average American that is struggling, but that dreams of something better for their life. Blacharski begins the work by focusing on his own credit-worthy shortcomings in an entertaining method that millions of people can relate to and that serves to lay a foundation for the belief that anyone with the commitment to changing their life can do so through knowledge. That knowledge, in Blacharski's book, relates to the real estate market and how the acquisition of property can progressively provide a source of income for people that will lead to financial security and stability. This is not a guide that suggests that the reader will be rich overnight, but instead a guide that uses facts to support all of the information that is provided and that offers a step-by-step manner of approaching the topic. The writing is not only filled with the first hand knowledge of the author, it is engaging and inspiring. In a world in which most people are told that they have to accept whatever socioeconomic barriers that confront them, Blacharski is capable of opening his reader's eyes to the possibility that there is another path that can be taken and that, with a little determination and knowledge, anyone can do it.



4. You gotta love a guy who opens a book about part-time real estate investing with the information that he hasn't "had a real job in 15 years." Dan W. Blacharski then proceeds to explain in exhaustive detail how you, in 15 years (perhaps less), can write the same sentence.
   
   Among the many things you'll learn from reading The Part-Time Real Estate Investor: How to Generate Huge Profits While Keeping Your Day Job is the fact that while the shortest distance between the two points (idea and success) isn't really all that long, the actual path can be long and winding and you should, first and foremost, prepare yourself for a less than instantaneous journey.
   
   "There may well come a point when you will be working only a few hours a day and taking in millions," he writes, "but that point is not today. It will take a lot of hard work to get there."
   
   You will also learn that in many ways, bankers and real estate agents are not going to be your best friends in this investment endeavor of yours. In fact, Blacharski will explain, they will often be at odds with your goals. Real estate agents earn commissions from the sale of a home and are likely, therefore, to view alternative methods of purchasing real estate with considerable skepticism. Banks are in business to make money. They are not in the business of making you money, so like the real estate agents, they will tend to view any creative financing ideas with the same sort of skepticism. Alternative methods of purchasing real estate and creative financing ideas are the backbone of the method(s) that Blacharski details in the book.
   
   He walks you through it all, clearly and concisely, detailing all of the alternatives and creative financing arrangements that are available and desirable to the potential, part-time real estate investor. What seems clear is that many of the people who've trod this path (i.e., those who've made initial investments and parlayed the profits into millions) did so by using some combination of the techniques outlined in this book.
   
   What is not so clear is whether you, dear reader, will be able to do the same thing, especially if the plan actually entails maintaining a full-time `day job' while you explore the possibilities inherent in real estate investment. To his credit, Blacharski makes no claim, offers no guarantee and doesn't climb on a media soapbox claiming that you're going to be a success through the simple application of the principles he outlines. He tells you upfront that it's going to be hard work and in many cases, will involve failure. He recommends that you absorb such failure and soldier on, using each instance of failure as a lesson learned, not to be repeated.
   
   If there's a concern about how this information is laid out for you, it's that it has a tendency to come at you like a comfortable shower, which is all well and good, as long as you don't have to pay strict attention to and retain a specific memory for each drop of water that lands on you. It's just a lot to absorb in a single setting, or two even, or even the amount of time it would normally take you to read a book. Without a photogenic memory, you're going to have to go back and re-visit the concepts and specific details of each situation in order to effectively utilize the strategies and tactics that Blacharski has outlined in this book. Some of it, of course, will come with experience, but even initial experiences with this investment route will need to be supported by a strong knowledge base that can't realistically be learned simply by reading the book.
   
   This is not necessarily a bad thing. The devil, as we all know, is in the details, which, no matter how clearly Blacharski outlines them (and he does do that), will still be your responsibility to execute. Bearing this in mind and being aware that this book is a blueprint, not the finished `building' of wealth that you, as a potential part-time real estate investor, are seeking, the 290 pages of clearly articulated and well-written information are well worth your time.



5. I ordered this book and 2 other books with about the same basic thing. This book didn't really have any weak areas. It's also informative enough for full-time investors. It was pretty good at not using terms are jargon that beginners couldn't understand. The book was pretty good at slowly bringing you into the world of real estate investing and not leaving you in the dust.

5 comments about Trump Strategies for Real Estate: Billionaire Lessons for the Small Investor.

1. This book is great for somebody looking to find the 'big picture' in real estate, with some very helpful thoughts to guide decisions. Working in real estate, I have already used much of the advice in this book with my real estate clients with great success. Though not all thoughts apply to my area, the book as a whole was a great read.



2. This book is very informative about how to change your thinking as well as your practices when it comes to real estate. Very great book for a begginner investor.



3. its a good book for anyone to read and its been a big help to me.
   i suggest you read it if you intrested in investment.



4. This is one of those books that actually accomplishes what it sets out to do. For anyone who has ever watched Trump's show, you know Mr. Ross as the quiet man who gives spot-on advice (which Trump doesn't always heed--too bad!). Mr. Ross is great not only at story-telling but also at gleaning lessons (life lessons) from his and others' experiences. He shares those in this book without being too preachy. While it's quite clear his background is solidly in NYC, he does a good job in expanding his lessons to other parts of the country. This book is a very good read!



5. 2 July 2008 - This is on par with Rich Dad and the best book I have read about Real Estate. He had practical advise that while not easy to do it was easy to understand. Like Ross says if it is easy to do then there are not a lot of profits in it.