There are numerous things that rental real estate investors need to know to be successful. If you are just getting started as an investor, the learning curve can seem quite steep. Along with the general principles and strategies of rental real estate investing, you will need an in-depth knowledge of financing. You should also learn how to find and negotiate deals, how to evaluate properties while learning about legal and contract issues, property management best practices, and more.
One of the most reliable methods to obtain these educational building blocks is to analyze some of the industry’s must-read books. While there are numerous such books to choose from, if you start with just the top 5, you will be well on your way to a solid knowledge base.
1. Building Wealth One House at a Time by John Schaub
In his book, John Schaub has addressed important investing strategies and recommendations spanning over four decades. It is one of the foundational books any rental real estate investor should read. In a down-to-earth manner, Schaub covers the general principles and strategies of real estate investing, financing, the basics of deal analysis, and much more. To get a stable hold on the fundamentals, you really can’t do better than Building Wealth.
2. What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow by Frank Gallinelli
If you wish to invest in rental real estate, you have to be able to crunch the numbers. Your long-term success depends on it. That is why Frank Gallinelli’s book is one more must-read for new investors. It covers deal analysis, financing, and even provides Excel spreadsheets and formulas you can use. When you are prepared for a thorough exploration of cash flow, this is the book you need.
3. Every Landlord’s Legal Guide by Marcia Stewart, Ralph Warner, & Janet Portman
Investing in real estate has a solid legal element to it, which in turn makes learning the basics of landlord-tenant law very essential. What authors Marcia Stewart, Ralph Warner, and Janet Portman have created is the go-to reference guide for all the legal issues that landlords face. From contracts to security deposits, evictions to hiring a lawyer, this comprehensive book is a must-read for every real estate investor.
4. Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing by J. Scott
Even though rental real estate is without a doubt more recession-resistant than the stock market, as J. Scott points out, there are still principles and strategies that investors need to know to keep their investments safe from economic downturns. Even if the lessons in the book were written after the recession of 2008, they certainly still apply today. After reading Scott’s book, you will be able to invest in rental properties with a detailed knowledge of economic shifts, why they happen, and how to survive a recession.
5. Retire Early with Real Estate by Chad Carson
The final book on our list is one that is part of investing advice and part personal finance guide. This guide is critical for the reason that as a rental real estate investor, your success would depend on having clearly defined goals. After absorbing Chad Carson’s book, you will learn how to realistically retire in 10 to 15 years. With actionable, step-by-step information, real-world case studies, and accessible strategies, Carson’s book should be one of the first ones you read as a new investor.
As soon as you are ready to engage in investing and secure your first properties. Make sure you partner with the best property management business around. Contact us online or call us at 812-461-1676 today.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
