The most recommended real estate books

Who picked these books? Meet our 32 experts.

32 authors created a book list connected to real estate, and here are their favorite real estate books.
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Book cover of 10 Things You Need To Know About Land: A How-To Guide About Lots and Vacant Land for Agents, Investors, and You!

Jason Kogok Author Of Plug the Holes, Fill the Barrel: A Beginners Guide to Building Wealth with Real Estate

From my list on building wealth through real estate investing.

Why am I passionate about this?

Real estate investing has truly changed my life, not only my financial life, but also how I spend my time. I firmly believe that ownership and control of our time is the ultimate goal and that money is just the tool that we can use to get there; money is not the actual goal. I often say, “Rich people sell their time and wealthy people own their time.” As a real estate investor, broker, coach, and teacher, I have a passion for sharing my experience and knowledge, but doing so in a realistic way and helping others get on a path that is truly achievable.

Jason's book list on building wealth through real estate investing

Jason Kogok Why did Jason love this book?

Land is its own unique asset class with its own set of challenges, but Cheryl has put together a very easy to read and understand path to learning the basics of land ownership.

While the book is a quick read and doesn’t get too deep, it is a great starter resource for anyone who is considering the purchasing of land. I also like how Cheryl’s writing style is straightforward and concise, with not much fluff or filler.

This book can serve as a great base and jumping off point if you’re looking to dive deeper into this unique, but profitable asset class.

By Cheryl L Sain,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 10 Things You Need To Know About Land as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Buying and selling land can be a complicated endeavor. There are dozens of details that must be researched with many choices to make prior to closing on a transaction. Failing to properly perform due diligence can mean leaving money on the table, or worse: buying a property that cannot be used.

This book provides the necessary information for becoming successful in maneuvering through this thing we call "land." Learn what you need to know and where to find the information. Over time, this will become your go-to and carry-with-you reference for land transactions.


This book is for you if:


You…


Book cover of Margin of Safety: Risk-Averse Value Investing Strategies for the Thoughtful Investor

William J. Poorvu Author Of The Real Estate Game: The Intelligent Guide to Decisionmaking and Investment

From my list on real estate and wealth-building.

Why am I passionate about this?

Bill Poorvu is a successful real estate investor and developer who for 35 years headed the real estate program at Harvard Business School, where he taught several generations of students, many of whom went on to become industry leaders. He is also one of the founders of the Baupost Group, a Boston-based investment firm that is considered one of the savviest hedge funds in the world, with some $30 billion in assets under management.

William's book list on real estate and wealth-building

William J. Poorvu Why did William love this book?

If you are now in a position to invest your money broadly. Margin of Safety presents legendary investor Seth's Klarman's views on risk-adjusted investments in several asset classes, including real estate. He focuses on understanding the underlying values of a specific opportunity, and his consistent emphasis on taking the longer-term view is especially relevant to the property world. Now I will frustrate you by reporting that MOS is long out of print, and the used copies that are available online are...very, very expensive. If you can’t find it or afford it, look for Seth’s interviews on YouTube, and a short but interesting New Yorker interview.

By Seth A. Klarman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Margin of Safety as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Investors are all too often lured by the prospect of instant millions and fall prey to the many fads of Wall Street. The myriad approaches they adopt offer little or no real prospect for long-term success and invariably run the risk of considerable economic loss - they resemble speculation or outright gambling, not a coherent investment program. But value investing - the strategy of investing in securities trading at an appreciable discount from underlying value - has a long history - has a long history of delivering excellent investment results with limited downside risk. Taking its title from Benjamin Graham's…


Book cover of An Honest Living

R. A. Sinn Author Of A Second Chance for Yesterday

From R. A.'s 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Historian Futurist Sibling Obsessive reader Speculative fiction fan

R. A.'s 3 favorite reads in 2023

R. A. Sinn Why did R. A. love this book?

An Honest Living is another great New York novel that made me nostalgic for the city where I used to live. I loved how Murphy used mystery conventions to upend the genre altogether.

The book might strike some as deeply unsatisfying. Still, I loved how it didn’t satisfy expectations, and (without revealing too much) I loved the story’s message about the meaningfulness — or unmeaningfulness — of life’s tragedies.

By Dwyer Murphy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked An Honest Living as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Brooklyn, mid-2000s. After leaving behind the comforts of a prestigious law firm, a restless attorney attempts to make ends meet by picking up odd jobs from a colourful assortment of clients. When the mysterious Anna Reddick turns up at his apartment with ten thousand dollars in cash and asks him to track down her missing husband, he trusts it will be an easy case. That is until the real Anna Reddick shows up - a magnetic but unpredictable literary prodigy - and he finds himself out of his depth and drawn into a series of deceptions involving Joseph Conrad novels,…


Book cover of The Millionaire Real Estate Investor

Michael Zuber Author Of One Rental at a Time: The Journey to Financial Independence Through Real Estate

From my list on to escape the rat race and earn financial freedom.

Why am I passionate about this?

Leaving the Rat Race behind was not easy and it took 15 years but it is so worth it. Unfortunately, many people are just like me in that they don’t even know they are trapped in the Rat Race running faster and faster. I want to highlight the Rat Race and What it takes to get out as life is so much better when you are not trapped.

Michael's book list on to escape the rat race and earn financial freedom

Michael Zuber Why did Michael love this book?

I needed to find a book that got down to the process of becoming an investor. Gary does an excellent job of breaking down the components of becoming a good real estate investor. In addition to the blocking and tackling Gary included a bonus section that I simple loved because I was hungry for stories of success. At the end of Gary’s book, Gary included a list of investors who successfully completed the journey. Those pages kept me engaged as the first few years of real estate investing are slow and those stories got me through.

By Gary Keller, Dave Jenks, Jay Papasan

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Millionaire Real Estate Investor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"This book is not just a bargain, it's a steal. It's filled with practical, workable advice for anyone wanting to build wealth."-Mike Summey, co-author of the bestselling The Weekend Millionaire's Secrets to Investing in Real Estate

Anyone who seeks financial wealth must first learn the fundamental truths and models that drive it. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor represents the collected wisdom and experience of over 100 millionaire investors from all walks of life who pursued financial wealth and achieved the life-changing freedom it delivers. This book--in straightforward, no nonsense, easy-to-read style--reveals their proven strategies.

The Millionaire Real Estate Investor is…


Book cover of Winning Through Intimidation: How to Be the Victor, Not the Victim, in Business and in Life

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always tried to be "the best that I can be'' at anything. These books helped me be the best that I could be at commercial investment real estate sales...without hype...just good solid advice.

Adam's book list on books for anyone looking to begin a career in commercial investment real estate by authors who "have been there and done that"

Adam Von Romer Why did Adam love this book?

This is the “playbook” for commercial real estate. Even though Robert Ringer wrote this book in 1973 he absolutely hit the nail on the head.

He teaches you “straightforward, easy-to-understand terms, how to defend yourself against the intimidators of the world.” Robert Ringer even identifies the “intimidators” and in a humorous and entertaining way.

The most amazing part is that once you have read the book, you will instantly recognize the characters from the book in your daily life.

By Robert Ringer,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Winning Through Intimidation as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 New York Times Bestseller! Why is Robert Ringer's classic Winning through Intimidation still one of the most talked about personal-development books of all time? Because it teaches you how to defend yourself against the intimidators of the world.

Believe it or not, the results a person obtains are inversely proportionate to the degree to which he is intimidated; it's not what you say or do that counts, but what your posture is when you say or do it! Those who choose to be ostriches and believe they can wish away these realities invite an enormous amount of unnecessary pain…


Book cover of A World More Concrete: Real Estate and the Remaking of Jim Crow South Florida

Marcia Chatelain Author Of Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America

From my list on racial capitalism.

Why am I passionate about this?

Anytime we imagine ourselves to be smarter or more clever than Madison Avenue or sponsored content on your social media feeds or a well-designed advertisement a nostalgia unlocking tweet will prove you wrong. We are all vulnerable to their manipulations, and it is from this belief that I explore the histories, the conflicts, and the techniques that strengthen capitalism’s hold on our imaginations. And yet, despite the lures of the marketplace, I believe that people can come together and outmaneuver corporations and their enablers. Whether it’s a fast-food restaurant that crashed and burned in the 1980s or the most popular toy of 1973 or failed TV spinoffs, I see these cultural contributions as rich texts to understand race, gender, and American identities.

Marcia's book list on racial capitalism

Marcia Chatelain Why did Marcia love this book?

I love Miami, and I was immediately drawn to this stunning look at the relationship between the making of the cosmopolitan Miami we know today and the history of racial exclusion in the South. Before the high rises, the posh beach resorts, fine dining restaurants, and internationally renowned nightlife, South Florida epitomized all the forces of American history: conflict and negotiation with indigenous populations, reliance on immigrant populations, racially restrictive covenants, and powerbrokers of all colors looking to profit from real estate.

By N.D.B. Connolly,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A World More Concrete as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Many people characterize urban renewal projects and the power of eminent domain as two of the most widely despised and often racist tools for reshaping American cities in the postwar period. In A World More Concrete, N. D. B. Connolly uses the history of South Florida to unearth an older and far more complex story. Connolly captures nearly eighty years of political and land transactions to reveal how real estate and redevelopment created and preserved metropolitan growth and racial peace under white supremacy. Using a materialist approach, he offers a long view of capitalism and the color line, following much…


Book cover of How To WIN In Rental Real Estate AFTER The Deal: 15 Keys to Mastery & Ultimate Success in Your Rental Real Estate Business

Jason Kogok Author Of Plug the Holes, Fill the Barrel: A Beginners Guide to Building Wealth with Real Estate

From my list on building wealth through real estate investing.

Why am I passionate about this?

Real estate investing has truly changed my life, not only my financial life, but also how I spend my time. I firmly believe that ownership and control of our time is the ultimate goal and that money is just the tool that we can use to get there; money is not the actual goal. I often say, “Rich people sell their time and wealthy people own their time.” As a real estate investor, broker, coach, and teacher, I have a passion for sharing my experience and knowledge, but doing so in a realistic way and helping others get on a path that is truly achievable.

Jason's book list on building wealth through real estate investing

Jason Kogok Why did Jason love this book?

My favorite part about Casey’s book is that it is a straightforward, easy to read, playbook that goes in order through 15 steps that are easy to understand and implement after you purchase your property.

Many books focus on how to purchase real estate, but fewer give you guidance on how to manage after you own the asset. From establishing your mindset and motivation to how to manage your repairs and create advantageous tax strategies, Casey gives you manageable doses of powerful information.

Of his 15 steps, many provide truly valuable information, but one of my favorites is titled “Be the Landlord you would love to rent from” because I feel that is a topic that is often overlooked by investors and yet can help increase your bottom line the most.

Book cover of Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed and Fail

William J. Poorvu Author Of The Real Estate Game: The Intelligent Guide to Decisionmaking and Investment

From my list on real estate and wealth-building.

Why am I passionate about this?

Bill Poorvu is a successful real estate investor and developer who for 35 years headed the real estate program at Harvard Business School, where he taught several generations of students, many of whom went on to become industry leaders. He is also one of the founders of the Baupost Group, a Boston-based investment firm that is considered one of the savviest hedge funds in the world, with some $30 billion in assets under management.

William's book list on real estate and wealth-building

William J. Poorvu Why did William love this book?

Successful real estate investment and development is in part the result of understanding an economic context and taking the long view. Toward those ends, there’s no better jumping-off point than Ray Dalio's historical review of the economic “Big Cycle” that has determined the success and failure of nations and economic systems over the past several centuries. And by the way, Ray knows what he’s talking about: his Bridgewater Associates is the world’s largest hedge fund.

By Ray Dalio,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“A provocative read...There are few tomes that coherently map such broad economic histories as well as Mr. Dalio’s. Perhaps more unusually, Mr. Dalio has managed to identify metrics from that history that can be applied to understand today.” —Andrew Ross Sorkin, The New York Times

From legendary investor Ray Dalio, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Principles, who has spent half a century studying global economies and markets, Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order examines history’s most turbulent economic and political periods to reveal why the times ahead will likely be radically…


Book cover of How to Win Friends and Influence People

Jack Barsky Author Of Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America

From Jack's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Lover Russia/Ukraine expert Polyglot Espionage expert Traveler

Jack's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Jack Barsky Why did Jack love this book?

This book first appeared about 70 years ago. It is a play-by-play strategy for behaviors that will guarantee the reader a successful and fulfilled life. Carnegie’s wisdom is timeless and should be required reading for all high school seniors

If we all followed that advice in the book, the world would definitely be a better place.

By Dale Carnegie,

Why should I read it?

17 authors picked How to Win Friends and Influence People as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Millions of people around the world have - and continue to - improve their lives based on the teachings of Dale Carnegie. In How to Win Friends and Influence People Carnegie offers practical advice and techniques, in his exuberant and conversational style, for how to get out of a mental rut and make life more rewarding.

His advice has stood the test of time and will teach you how to:
- make friends quickly and easily
- increase your popularity
- win people to your way of thinking
- enable you to win new clients and customers
- become a…


Book cover of Mindful Landlord: How to Run Rental Property for Profit and Peace of Mind

Jason Kogok Author Of Plug the Holes, Fill the Barrel: A Beginners Guide to Building Wealth with Real Estate

From my list on building wealth through real estate investing.

Why am I passionate about this?

Real estate investing has truly changed my life, not only my financial life, but also how I spend my time. I firmly believe that ownership and control of our time is the ultimate goal and that money is just the tool that we can use to get there; money is not the actual goal. I often say, “Rich people sell their time and wealthy people own their time.” As a real estate investor, broker, coach, and teacher, I have a passion for sharing my experience and knowledge, but doing so in a realistic way and helping others get on a path that is truly achievable.

Jason's book list on building wealth through real estate investing

Jason Kogok Why did Jason love this book?

This book is one of my favorites simply because of the down to earth style Terrie portrays in her writing and business, yet she is extremely productive in her investing career.

Terrie is very clear that her book is not a get rich quick or instant wealth playbook, but rather she takes you on the proper journey to building wealth with real estate rentals.

One of the unique things about Terrie’s book is that she dives deeper than just the surface level investing and helps you get into your investing mindset and establish a solid foundation for you to build upon, not only from an investing standpoint, but also from a standpoint of how you operate your business and the relationships you build. 

By Terrie Schauer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mindful Landlord as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Description

In this groundbreaking book, Terrie Schauer argues that investing in real estate can be a way to generate income without spending most of your waking hours trapped in the hamster wheel. But for this to turn into a reality, you need to become a mindful landlord. Mindfulness primer, compelling mythbuster, and practical step-by-step guide all in one, this book leaves no stones unturned.


Introduction

The real estate coaching industry is a noisy place. Gurus, agents, and coaches compete to sell their brand of get-rich-quick training. It's a climate that encourages new investors to take big risks, leverage to the…