Real estate investing can be an exciting and rewarding career — but it's far from easy.
Whether you're a new or seasoned real estate investor, we can all benefit from the wisdom of others. But with hundreds of real estate books on the market, which ones are worth your time?
Here, we've compiled a list of the best books to help you learn the ins and outs of real estate investing — from finding your market and evaluating opportunities to negotiating and buying properties.
If books aren't your style, check out our list of the best real estate podcasts and blogs.
Table of Contents
Best for Negotiating Real Estate
Best for Financing on a Budget
Best for Mastering Short-Term Rentals
Best for Leveraging the BRRRR Investing Strategy
Best for Understanding Real Estate Taxes
11 Must-Read Books for Real Estate Investors
1. The Book on Rental Property Investing: How to Create Wealth with Intelligent Buy and Hold Real Estate Investing
Best Overall
Our first pick is by Brandon Turner, best-selling author and active real estate investor. The Book on Rental Property Investing provides a solid foundation for newcomers looking to learn the ins and outs of real estate investing.
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It hits on each stage of the process, from buying and holding properties to managing and selling them. Expect to hit the ground running with actionable strategies and a renewed focus.
2. The ABCs of Real Estate Investing: The Secrets of Finding Hidden Profits Most Investors Miss
Best for: Commercial Investors
This book is ideal for investors who are curious about commercial and multi-family properties. Ken McElroy, author and host of Real Estate Strategies With Ken McElroy, walks you through the basics of commercial investing, including how to find your market, evaluate opportunities, negotiate deals, and make offers. It's chock-full of practical strategies and advice that any investor can benefit from.
3. The Book on Negotiating Real Estate: Expert Strategies for Getting the Best Deals When Buying & Selling Investment Property
Best for: Negotiating Real Estate Deals
Negotiation is one of the most important skills in an investor's toolbox. When done correctly, you can close more deals and maximize profits.
If you're looking to sharpen your negotiation skills, The Book On Negotiating Real Estate is a must-read. This book details all aspects of the real estate negotiation process — from the first interaction with a buyer (or seller) to renegotiating contracts if something goes wrong, such as a bad appraisal or inspection.
You will learn no-nonsense tactics for negotiating, overcoming objections, and finding mutually beneficial solutions. On top of that, the book comes to life with true-life stories and real dialogue examples.
4. The Book on Investing In Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down: Creative Strategies for Investing in Real Estate
Best for: Financing on a Budget
Think you need a million dollars to start investing? Think again. Real estate investor Brandon Turner makes another appearance on this list, but this time he's diving into the financial side of investing.
This book covers multiple financing methods to kickstart your journey as an investor. You will learn the best strategies for finding and using loans, securing your first property, and attracting private money, lenders, and partners. It also includes real-life examples to help you better understand the benefits and risks of each strategy.
5. What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know about Cash Flow... and 36 Other Key Financial Measures
Best for: Analyzing Deals
Real estate is a numbers game. What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow teaches you how to crunch the numbers so you can confidently (and accurately) judge the value of a property.
Real estate expert Frank Gallinelli breaks down the key metrics you need to know— such as net operating income, return on equity, and profitability index — to make smart investments. If numbers aren't your strong suit, don't worry — Gallinelli interjects humor and presents content in a clear manner.
6. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor
Best for: Building Wealth
Real estate expert Gary Keller compiles the wisdom of over 100 millionaire investors in this straightforward handbook. The book covers their strategies to take your career to the next level.
In addition, you will learn about common investing myths, how to develop a winning mindset, and how to identify great opportunities. Odds are, you'll finish the book feeling inspired and energized.
7. Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties
Best for: Mastering Short-Term Rentals
Companies like AirBnB, Vrbo, and Sonder have dominated the short-term housing space. This book can help you get a piece of the action.
Although long-term rentals are a proven way to generate wealth, short-term rentals are just as lucrative. Avery Carl, CEO and founder of The Short Term Shop, teaches you how to identify, choose, acquire, and manage a short-term rental from anywhere in the country. Plus, Carl addresses common pitfalls of short-term rentals and how to handle them.
8. The Book on Managing Rental Properties: A Proven System for Finding, Screening, and Managing Tenants with Fewer Headaches and Maximum Profits
Best for: New Landlords
It doesn't matter how good you are at finding great properties if you can't manage them correctly. In other words, property management requires an entirely different strategy and skillset than investing.
The Book on Managing Rental Properties equips you with the right strategies to manage tenets, minimize stress and headaches, and maximize profit. Heather and Brandon Turner share personal stories of their mistakes and successes to help you start on the right foot.
9. The Book on Flipping Houses: How to Buy, Rehab, and Resell Residential Properties
Best for: Flippers
The Book on Flipping Houses is packed with real-world advice, written honestly by expert fix-and-flipper J Scott. Described as the "flipping handbook," Scott lays out a roadmap to show you how to flip properties efficiently, finance your flips, and spearhead larger renovations.
10. Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat: The BRRRR Rental Property Investment Strategy Made Simple
Best for: Leveraging the BRRRR Investing Strategy
Looking to take your real estate investing to the next level? Real estate expert David Greene outlines exactly how to do that using the Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat (BRRRR) method. Whether you're a new or seasoned investor, you're sure to find helpful nuggets in every chapter.
11. The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor
Best for: Understanding Real Estate Taxes
Let's face it — doing taxes is about as exciting as having a root canal. However, every real estate investor needs a strategy for tax season. If you're unsure where to start, The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor is a must-read. CPAs Amanda Han and Matthew MacFarland walk you through clever ways to maximize your deductions, along with practical tips to cut down on bookkeeping time.
Free Real Estate Planning Template
Use this free template to plan the marketing, sales, and growth for your real estate business.
- Company Overview
- Territory Overview
- Market Penetration Strategy
- And more!
Download Free
All fields are required.
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Real estate investing is a complex industry. Books like these can help you start (or scale) your portfolio, maximize profits, and avoid common headaches of the job.
