5 comments about Unlimited Real Estate Profit: Create Wealth and Build a Financial Fortress Through Today's Real Estate Investing.

1. I first read this book in December of 2003. I went to my first absorption market (explained in the book) in March/April of 2004. Simply stated:This works! In the chosen market I went to (JAX, Florida ) I have purchased 20 single family homes. I live, however, in California. I have been able to follow concepts in the book to "Live where I want, and invest where it makes financial sense." If one can grasp the innovative potential of the concepts and information from this book then large financial gains are obtainable. The book is a guide on where and how to do it but it is up to the proactive reader to follow through and get it done.



2. He offers some speculating advice and that's about it! The rest of the information is very basic knowledge and about education services he provides which can be bought for a fee. The author appeared quite arrogant throughout, even going as far to name the standard real estate cycle after himself! There were a lot of "I did this!" and "I did that!" and "I'm so wonderful to help people!" This book is not worth your time, unless you enjoy reading the advertisement section of the newspaper, only without the fancy pictures and print.



3. Mostly be aware of the numerous 5 star reviews for this book.
   
   This book is so lacking that it doesn't even suit the novice.
   
   This book is a tout for the authors web site.
   
   Usually one can ignore the frequent mention of the authors other collateral such as his experience, websites and seminars but this book is so absent of answers that it's title procliams that you have to believe the book was written soley for promotion and not knowledge.
   
   How shallow is this book? Consider this; if the key board that I'm typing on right now where to explode and the keys were to stick to my ceiling, the letters would form better advice about Unlimited Real Estate Profit than this book.
   
   Seriously, there are other books that are far better on this subject.



4. I purchased this book less than a year ago and using the advice of the author I have made enough money in real estate investing to quit my job and do it full time. I have read dozens of books on the subject and found this to be by far the most helpful. It is easy to read and gives a lot of specific, useful advise.



5. Dear Fellow Investor,
   I have known Marc Garrison since 1984. Marc is an absolute genius in real estate investing and real estate economics. Since 1986 Marc has been taking investors like yourself on BuyingTours in the United State's very best absorption markets. Marc has a 20 year track record in targeting and finding the very best regions of opportunity. Prove it yourself. Call Marc at (208) 936-4452. Read "Unlimited Real Estate Profit." Talk with Marc and get hooked up with one of his mentors. Working with one of Marc's mentors is absolutely free. Marc's mentors are successful students that voluteer time to help other investors like yourself to become successful in real estate investing today.
   
   Marc Garrison and his with Paula Tripp Garrison are the real thing. Call them and find out for yourself.
   
   Stephan Wayner

5 comments about Sold!: Direct Marketing for the Real Estate Pro.

1. Lois Gellar's book is an excellent ongoing reference for new and seasoned real estate professionals. Direct mail is only good if people see your mailing and don't immediately chunk it in the trash can, and she shows how to be competitive in the direct mail game. She has even answered questions via email for me and that is a sign of an author that stands behind the rhetoric in their books. I highly recommend this book!
   
   Collier Swecker
   Mega Agent Real Estate Team
   Keller Williams Realty
   [...]



2. This is a very interesting and helpful book. It's easy to read/understand. My main purpose in buying the book was for the information on writing copy. There's a lot of good advice and suggestions on what to incorporate in my marketing efforts. I'm still reading the book and deciding what to try first. And there's more to the book than just hints on making the message/copy stronger.



3. Some great ideas on setting up a farm and marketing to it. Some of the ideas seem to be more geared toward a product. For instance, the one time mailings using a rented list. All in all, a few good ideas with not too much blah blah.



4. This is one of the better books on Direct Marketing written with the Real Estate Agent in mind.
   
   What I reallty liked about it is that, for once, a book for Real Estate Agents where the author offered out of the box ideas adopted from different successful Direct Marketing strategies.
   
   What you will learn from this book is the importance of content, not just sending "New Listing" and "just Sold" postcards. It covers how to come up with the content, who you should send it to, and the importance of closing the sale.
   
   This book might go over people with absolutely no marketing background, and might be a confirmation of what those experienced marketers already know.
   
   I think every one should have this book and read it. If you don't get what is being taught in it, reread it or do some research on the subject you did not understaind.
   
   I blog on similar topics and I was very delighted to see someone out there published a book specific to real estate.



5. If you've never read anything about marketing yourself as a REALTOR or about branding, you might get some useful information from this book. I thought this book was a total waste of my time. "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" by Gary Keller gives a more comprehensive explanation of lead generation and how it fits in your overall business plan. On top of that, it was written by someone who has actually sold real estate and been successful at it. Also try "The Brand Called You" by Peter Montoya for branding and direct mail advice.

5 comments about Commercial Real Estate Investing 12 Easy Steps to Getting Started.

1. Its a great 1st timer book, i bought it because i was a 1st timer. but after reading through half of it it seemed like most of it was a lot of repetitive information that i didn't really need. i would recommended it to 1st timers only.



2. This is a great book on the practical side of "What to Do" and "How to Do It" to make money in commercial real estate.
   
   A lot of books give you a lot of technical definitions and rules, but this book shows you the steps to follow to make things happen in your career.
   
   I keep my under-lined and highlighted copy on my desk for constant review.
   
   Great book, Buy it and make money!



3. Good introduction for a novice. Not a must if you have any business background.



4. Cant tell you the amount of times I have referred to this book in my dealings. Invaluable information in there!



5. The book work well for i what i needed it for and the condition was better than i thought it would be!

5 comments about The Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing.

1. This book is comprehensive. It covers a lot of topics about real estate investing. Furthermore, it offers tips and tricks on how successful investors were able to pull off their deals. Something that is hard to come by, as many real estate authors aren't really investors.
   
   Just a side note -- if you're an expert, you'd probably learn something from this, but overall you would be bored. So don't buy it thinking your going to get a "for experts" book, this is for beginners. Those that have not made their mark on the real estate market yet.
   
   -Matt
   co-author of the Ultimate Foreclosure Kit



2. This is truly a good start to real estate investing because it covers a lot of different business models. I know many of us here come from a real estate agent background where our jobs are to sell for other people. This book kinda opens up your eyes to the rest of the real estate industry, where people are making more money by bypassing the real estate agent side.
   
   This was one of the first books I've ever read on real estate and I highly recommend it. I have some other recommendations, see my other reviews.



3. Eldred has set this book up for what he considers to be a beginner. He does not take you by the hand and walk you through all the vocabulary or every aspect of the business. For example, if you don't know what owner financing is, expect to take a few pages to figure it out on your own.
   
   Another problem I had with this book is that I am pretty sure that some of his methods for financing are illegal. He lives by the "They won't ask, and you don't tell" philosopy. He is also a big believer in no money down loan financing. I have seen A LOT of people get into trouble this way: it promotes get rich quick idealism and before you know it, you're in over your head.
   
   However, there are a few things I did like, Eldred has experience, and gives pros and cons for ALMOST every one of his suggestions. While some of his financing ideas no one in their right mind should try, the rest are well presented and worth considering. He also breaks down the equation (math) side of things and gives examples to make it easier to understand.
   
   Some useful stuff, but not what I was hoping for.



4. Not a bad read --definitely skewed towards beginners. Good in terms of its scope. You might be interested in looking into these: The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording, and the companion CD; The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses (Combo Audio/Data CD): Author's Audio Commentary Plus Downloadable 32-page Marketing Manual, Checklists, Spreadsheets, and Forms.
   
   A related program is:
   
   The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Personal Wealth Creation (Combo Audio/Data CD): Audio Seminar With Downloadable 40-Page Action Manual and Active Link Library.



5. I am a brand new investor, investing in real estate in the Miami-Dade/ Broward County areas. I have read several articles on real estate and also have listened to CD's on wholesaling, foreclosures, and other such topics. This is the first actual book I have read on any real estate subject. I have found that this book has been very easy to follow and comprehend.
   
   The author is really informative and not only discusses how he invests, but he gives voice to alternatives. I have been attending the local real estate investor's meetings, so with my limited knowledge, I can ascertain that the author is in fact a professional in this field and not just another person trying to become a millionaire by repeating techniques that (he) hasn't utilized, himself.
   
   I recommend this book to all real estate investors that are just beginning in this field. This book does not go into step by step detail on how-to do certain deals, however, it gives an overall understanding, for the beginner to better make a decision on which area of real estate they would like to invest in. I, myself have now narrowed my interest parameters to other subjects that I was not interested in prior to reading. Overall I give this book, 5 stars. It sets a higher bar for any book that I read hereinafter.

5 comments about The Insider's Guide to Real Estate Investing Loopholes.

1. I just finished reading Real Estate Investing Loopholes and it is just simply brilliant! I have started investing for cashflow and already can see the benefits. What I have learned the most from your books is the importance of having a plan and due diligence. Thank you so much. Keep writing and we will keep reading.



2. I really liked the chapter, Smart Business Structures That Reduce Risk and Tax. Now I think I better understand the differences between the possible structures and will be able to ask better questions when I am ready to start investing. Also, I like that this book has practical information and is not just trying to dazzle me with get rich quick nonsense. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in real estate.



3. I thought "Real Estate Investing Loopholes" was put together really well. It has a lot of information that will help you find the tax loopholes that will help you best. My favorite Chapter was "Be Paid to Live in Your Home", by having a home office I have been able to write off more expenses and pay less tax. It works. I highly recommend this book. Thanks Diane and Dolf.



4. 
   Just about all of the advice in the book will help a real estate investor enhance his returns through smart tax planning. Saving money on taxes means more to the bottom line, which increases returns. This is not a rah-rah get pumped up to do deals type book, more of a step by step type explanation of how to best protect yourself (using LLC's or Corporations) and how to save on taxes (1031 exchange). They also touch on the relatively new TIC (Tenants in Common) structure, which is looking more and more useful because it will let partners out of a deal to do a 1031 without having to sell the whole property.
   
   Overall it's all stuff a real estate investor needs to know, but I personally would have liked more real life deal examples. In Dolf's 52 homes in 52 weeks there are lots of examples (52) of him doing deals with a breakdown of the profit or loss on each.
   
   By Kevin Kingston, author of: A 20,000% Gain in Real Estate: A True Story About the Ups and Downs From Wall Street to Real Estate Leading to Phenomenal Returns
   
   And my blog is: The Real Estate Investors Blog



5. I enjoyed reading this book. It has given me direction on setting up my business. Diane Kennedy has some very good information in this book that I would encourage you to read. Well written book.

5 comments about Real Estate Development: Principles and Process 3rd Edition.

1. Coverage of theoretical, not application. Useful for referencing concepts and reinforcing a specific point, but much more of a teaching text than reference material.



2. This book is a well intentioned attempt at explaining the development process. Unfortunately, development is too specific depending on project type and region to be easily summed up in one volume. If you are looking for a lengthy and well detailed process overview, this book is for you. If you need something a little more specific, keep searching and let me know if you find something.



3. It's a school book with an enormous amount of information. It would take years to go through. Great for a class course where an instructor could teach the chapters quickly and point out all of the important details.



4. This book was just what we were looking for: A comprehensive professional overview of all of the aspects of RE development. Everyone who owns or develops commercial real estate, and has not formally studied development, should read this book regardless of their experience.



5. This book is exactly what the title says - Principles and Process of real estate development. It is written by professors and it describes development as a whole and I would definitely recommend it to every development student. Every possible segment of real estate development is captured. Don't think this book will provide various 'tricks' and 'secrets'. It will provide more than that. For those wishing more practical knowledge I recommend 'Confessions of a real estate entrepreneur' by Randel.

5 comments about The Real Estate Recipe: Make Millions by Buying Small Apartment Properties in Your Spare Time (Nuts & Bolts Series) (Nuts & Bolts series).

1. This will be my first and only online review of any of my 200+ books in my library. But it needed to be said... The Biggest disappointment I have ever purchased...
   
   1 Star
   Two Thumbs Down
   A Complete waste of money!
   
   212 total pages (With Huge fonts and Filler pages after every Chapter Title Page)
   
   4 Pages of Filler for "note"-taking in the back
   
   17 Pages of "Constant Payment Tables/Remaining Loan Balance" Charts
   
   The Book Averages 4 pages (Sides not full) per chapter of info
   
   Page 151 is the Start of the Appendix



2. I found the book to be a very concise (Nuts & Bolts) and logical approach to buying small apartment properties from someone who obviously knows the process. He gives you all the tools needed to anaylise, purchase, manage and project profits. The forms in the book are easily accessed at the publisher's website www.dnapress.com for downloading. I'm closing on a 7 unit property in less than 2 weeks. Thanks Brian!



3. Of the three books I've read on investing in multi-family real estate, this is by far the best. The author does a good job of walking the reader through from start to finish the purchase of a representative property. In the appendix the author provides several very easy to understand and useful financial analysis templates which can easily be recreated in Excel or any other spreadsheet program.



4. This is one of four books on purchasing and managing real estate that we purchased. Although pricey due to availability in hardback only, for those such as us that are first time buyers of commercial real estate, the data, clarity of thought and information will likely prove very valuable. It is a quick read that provides the basic tenets of buying multi-family units. The financial elements are fairly simplistic; hence we purchased an additional book that delves into the intricacies of purchasing and financing multi-family units.



5. I have read and own numerous books on real estate investment and found this one to be one of the most concise and detailed books on apartment house investing on the market. I really don't understand what a previous reviewer meant by that it was a total loss. I found it to be detailed and informative. It literally takes you by the hand leads into investing on a property. I will be following the author's advice and begin investing in small apartment properties. If you are seeking true financial independence, you would be wise to purchase this book and not the crap promoted on late night t.v.

5 comments about Buy Low, Rent Smart, Sell High.

1. Its the same ole same ole... besides, you find better deals working with a REALTOR(R) looking for motivated sellers in the MLS. First, when a notice of default is published every real estate agent and their brother in the area is hounding the owner to list and sell before foreclosure and REO (so many do), and second, if it does go REO, there are so many bottom feeding sharks looking for a "good deal" in an REO, it gets bid up and often goes over market in a feeding frenzy...



2. I do not read many books from cover to cover. This one I read. I found it very useful and informative. I had two properties that I purchased at FMV. I have since purchased two other properties since reading this book. They were HUD foreclosed properties that I purchased at 75% below FMV minus repairs. I used my own money, fixed them up,refinanced them and got an 80% loan. I pulled back all my money plus I now have $19,000 of equity in one and $16,000 of equity in the other one. I did walked away with $5k and $3k respectively after expenses. I did a lease purchase but not their way. I did the non-qualifying with the big money up front. Their way did not work for me. I tried it though. This book really got my brain to churning. It is not a get rich quick book but if you are serious and looking to build wealth I think this is a good book to read. I call it my real estate bible. I am currently trying to find one that is better or just as good but have not found it so far.



3. absolutly fantastic...
   gives you new ideas and way to do real estate in a way that really appeal to those who not just want their success but seeking other's too.



4. Book was very simple to read, finished it in 2 days, probably could of done it in one except for a big accounting test got in the way. The book gives you another strategy on real estate, and it is very inspiring to get you off your butt and go do it.



5. This product promises more than it delivers, like their book, the claims make big promises, but there are lots of disclaimers, and no real meat, just ideas which are supposed to be real good, but who knows. It seems to be another link towards buying more of their stuff.

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 FORTY YEARS A SPECULATOR.

1. I read this book with great interest because for the past four years I have been using similar investment strategy. From my experience, I can confidently say that the strategy in this book really works. My own research convinces me it will continue to work for quite a long time to come. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to protect or enhance their wealth. In fact I would suggest reading it at least three times.



2. For grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, I would give "Forty Years" a 3-star review. It became more clear as I continued reading that the manuscript skipped a stage or two in the editing process.
   
   But who cares about that? Really, nobody reads an investing book and worries about grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. We're there for the meaty details of how to make the most with our hard-earned money, and "Forty Years" is chocked full of meat. I've never been one to accept the conventional manner of investing - buy and hold the blue chips - so I'm taking this as an opportunity to stretch my muscles a bit in the world of gambling, er, investing.
   
   Scared money doesn't make money, and, finally, with Carach's advisement, I have a channel to vent my desire to make money before I'm 70. Thanks Fred!



3. Although humor may be sprinkled throughout this whole book, it should be taken very seriously. He gives a very well thought out, and examined approach to very high risk investment. He gives not only relevant stock examples, but also relevant historical examples. My only recommendation is to read one or two general trading books, before reading this one, otherwise you won't be able to fully appreciate his alternative view of investing.



4. People stand up and listen. This is a book that can be a difference maker for you. Buy the book. Read it. Apply it! This gives the every day guy a chance. Don't be fooled by the title. This is an excellent well rounded and well thought out investment program that nobody it talking about...nobody! Don't wait.
   Joe - Woodstock, VA



5. In his book Forty Years A Speculator, Fred Carach does an excellent job of convincing the reader that the big blue-chip companies are NOT the way to invest; rather, other stocks are worthy of your dollars because of their income potential, or the fact that they are good penny stocks or inexpensive enough that you can double your money, perhaps many times over. Fred's humorous tone is very appropriate, as he convincingly conveys in a conversational tone that it is laughable how some people ignore inexpensive yet high-quality stocks as if they are not worthy of investment. Fred lays his cards on the table, listing many stocks that he deems investment-worthy and his rationale for investing in them. Many of these stocks are NOT the ordinary stocks that the investment pundits say you should invest in. Fred will convince you that you can intelligently gamble your way to riches by being a contrarian investor. This book is a must-read for every investor who wants to be an intelligent gambler and for those who want a successful alternative investment approach. Fred should be applauded for sharing his excellent work and advice with his time-tested and novel investing approach.