Many of my clients use real estate as a way to create passive income - income you get from investments rather than employment. But where or how do you start? Here are 15 of the best real estate investing books in 2019, based on Amazon's ranking and customer reviews.
1. "Your First 365 Days in Real Estate," by Shelley Zavitz
Shelley Zavitz is a successful Portland, Ore., real estate agent who started in real estate relatively late. Knowing how hard it is for those starting out to turn their license into a profitable business, she is now dedicated to helping others on the same journey. As she says, "the first 365 days of working in real estate can be one of the most tumultuous times in your career. Just because you have a license, doesn't mean you have a business." In this, her first book, she explains what to expect the first year of your career; how to implement systems that will impact your business in the next 90 days; how to build a marketing plan; and why surrounding yourself with the right people is essential.
2. "Real Estate Investing for Beginners," by Michael Ezeanaka
The best-selling author of "Affiliate Marketing," Michael Ezeanaka has written another book, this time on 10 different ways you can make money with real estate, with a step-by-step analysis of business models that have potential to earn passive income. The liquidity, scalability, potential return on investment, passivity and simplicity of each is explored. Among the methods discussed are: how to make money with real estate investment trusts, how a real estate investment group works, how to become a limited partner, how to protect yourself as a general partner, why tax lien certificates are the most secure investments and how to diversify your portfolio of tax lien certificates, as well as strategies you can employ to earn passive income.
3. "Real Estate at a Crossroads: The Insider's Guide for Agents, Brokers and Execs," by Gregory Charlop
Author Gregory Charlop is the founder and host of "The Real Estate Flash" on Alexa. His daily show features news, market trends and interviews. An expert in senior housing, Charlop is also a physician. After observing how difficult it is for seniors and the disable to find "reasonably priced homes near friends and family," Charlop founded Dignified Housing Inc. "Real Estate at a Crossroads" is as much a real estate book as a book about technology, and features interviews with eighteen real estate leaders. The book, written for agents, brokers, executives or "anyone considering a career in real estate," shows how the industry is changing and how technology can help investors do well.
4. "The Super Simple Home Buyers Handbook," by Timothy L. and Clint T. Carver
This book, which is less than 60 pages, is by a real estate agent and professional educator, Timothy L. Carver, who also has written a weekly real estate column in a local newspaper. He has completed special training in helping clients find long-term investment properties, and has experience in building and remodeling, as well as developing and selling subdivisions. Inside this guide, readers will find a step-by-step checklist, a wish list, definite do's and don'ts, tips for touring a home, simple definitions and helpful resources including links to information on loans, credit reports, grants and schools.
5. "The Book on Negotiating Real Estate," by J Scott, Mark Ferguson and Carol Scott
This book, by three expert real estate investors, claims to be "the only book you'll need to ensure you'll get the most deals - and the best deals - on all of your investment property!" The book, aimed at real estate investors and agents at any level, details all aspects of the real estate negotiation process, from the first interaction with a buyer or seller to renegotiating the contract after unexpected issues arise, to last minute concessions at closing.
Check out https://www.thestreet.com/investing/15-best-real-estate-investing-books-15069859 for the entire list.