10 Best Books on Real Estate Investing

Real estate investing is a wealth builder but it starts with knowledge. As George R. R. Martin said:

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”

The right books can open doors to new opportunities, strategies and insights that will shape your investment journey. Here are the 10 best books on real estate investing, each with lessons to help you succeed in property investing.

Best Real Estate Investing Books

#01 Title: The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor

• Author: Amanda Han, Matthew MacFarland
• Goodreads Ratings: 4.40
• Best For:  Anyone looking to optimize their tax position in real estate.

Book Overview:

Our top pick is “Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor” based on user ratings and reviews. In this book Amanda Han and Matthew MacFarland share powerful strategies for real estate investors to maximize deductions, invest smarter and reduce their tax liabilities. They show you how to deal with taxes in the short term while setting up a long term strategy for future savings.

Key Topics:

• Creative strategies to maximize tax deductions
• How to write off your kids for tax benefits
• Ways to write off travel expenses effectively
• Time-saving tips for simplifying bookkeeping
• Simple steps to protect against IRS audits

About Authors:

Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland are the founders of Keystone CPA Inc., experts in advanced tax saving strategies for real estate investors. Both are members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, they have many years of experience in real estate related tax strategies, entity structuring and self-directed investing.

They have been featured on NBC News Radio, Talks at Google and Realtor Magazine. Their book “Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor” has sold over 30,000 copies.

#02 Title: The Book on Rental Property Investing

• Author: Brandon Turner
• Goodreads Ratings: 4.39
• Best For: New and Experienced Investors

Book Overview:

In this book Brandon Turner shows how to be a successful rental property investor without getting caught up in the common pitfalls. Useful for both new and experienced investors, he shares practical and up to date ways to build wealth and cash flow through rental properties.

Key Topics:

• Avoid Common Mistakes: Learn why many real estate investors fail and how to ensure your success.
• 4 Investment Strategies: Easy-to-follow strategies you can start using right away.
• Finding Deals: Creative tips for securing great deals, even in competitive markets.
• Hands-Off Investing: Ways to succeed without managing repairs or maintenance yourself.
• Financing Options: Ideas for funding rental properties regardless of your cash situation.
• Tax Benefits: Guidance on how to defer and eliminate taxes to maximize wealth.

About Author:

Brandon Turner is a real estate investor, entrepreneur and author with over 500 rental units. He is Vice President of BiggerPockets, co-host of the BiggerPockets Podcast and has written several books including The Book on Rental Property Investing. Featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine, Brandon talks real estate investing and financial freedom.

#03 Title: The Book on Negotiating Real Estate

• Authors: J. Scott, Carol Scott, Mark Ferguson
• Goodreads Ratings: 4.28
• Best For: Negotiating Real Estate Deals

Book Overview:

Real Estate Negotiation by J Scott, Mark Ferguson, and Carol Scott shares the secrets to successful real estate negotiations, drawing on their combined experience from nearly 1,000 deals.

This book covers every step of the negotiation process, from initial buyer or seller interactions to handling post-inspection or appraisal renegotiations. Featuring true-life stories and sample dialogue, it teaches readers the key phrases and strategies to use in negotiations, helping them secure better deals and maximize profitability.

Key Topics:

• Using information to influence negotiating outcomes.
• Defining first offers and crafting effective counter-offers.
• Negotiation techniques for overcoming objections.
• Conquering tactics used by opposing negotiators.
• Using concessions to close deals.
• Renegotiating issues from contract contingencies.
• Navigating challenges with agent-assisted offers.
• Securing the best deals when buying from banks and HUD.

About Authors:

J Scott is a full-time real estate investor and rehabber based in the Washington, DC suburbs. In 2008, he and his wife transitioned from corporate jobs to real estate, building a successful business over the next nine years. They have rehabbed over 300 houses, earning millions in profits. Now, they focus on flipping homes across the country and larger new-construction projects.

#04 Title: The Intelligent Investor

• Author: Benjamin Graham
• Goodreads Ratings: 4.24
• Best For: Value Investing

Book Overview:

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham is a timeless guide on value investing, focusing on long-term strategies to minimize risk and maximize returns. Widely regarded as the “stock market bible,” the book has influenced countless investors since its 1949 release.

The updated edition includes commentary by Jason Zweig and Warren Buffett, offering modern insights while preserving Graham’s original teachings.

Key Topics:

• Value Investing: Emphasis on buying undervalued stocks based on intrinsic value.
• Risk Management: Strategies to avoid substantial investment errors.
• Long-Term Focus: Developing patient, long-term investment approaches.

About Author:

Benjamin Graham (1894–1976) was a British-born American financial analyst, investor, and professor, widely recognized as the “father of value investing.” He authored foundational texts in the field, including Security Analysis (1934) and The Intelligent Investor (1949).

Graham’s investment philosophy emphasized independent thinking, emotional discipline, and careful analysis, focusing on the distinction between a stock’s market price and its intrinsic value.

#05 Title: The Millionaire Real Estate Investor

• Author: Gary Keller
• Goodreads Ratings: 4.25
• Best For: Anyone wanting to build wealth

Book Overview:

Gary Keller’s The Millionaire Real Estate Investor is a comprehensive guide based on research and interviews with over 120 successful real estate investors. The book outlines proven strategies and models used by millionaires to build wealth through real estate. It also debunks common myths about investing and highlights practical truths that help people achieve financial freedom.

Key Topics:

• Myth-Busting: Debunks common misconceptions about investing, such as the idea that investing is inherently risky.
• Money Truths vs. Myths: Identifies false beliefs that hinder financial success and highlights truths that lead to wealth.
• Risk Management: Emphasizes using time-tested strategies to minimize risk and eliminate reliance on luck.

About Author:

Garry Keller began his real estate career by guiding clients to make informed buying and selling decisions. He then became a sales manager, where he trained and mentored agents to build successful careers.

As the co-founder and chairman of Keller Williams Realty International, he transformed the company from a single office in Austin, Texas, into one of the world’s largest real estate firms, using his expertise in teaching, training, and coaching.

#06 Title: The Book on Investing In Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down

• Author: Brandon Turner
• Goodreads Ratings: 4.19
• Best For: Budget Financing

Book Overview:

This is the second book of Brandon Turner in this list. In this book, Turner explores various strategies for leveraging other people’s money to maximize returns on real estate investments. He delves into multiple creative financing methods used by professional investors, teaching readers how to navigate and capitalize on current real estate markets for greater success in their investments.

Key Topics:

• No-money-down investing: It’s more about mindset than a step-by-step strategy.
• Getting started with little to no money: Effective methods for beginners with no experience or funds.
• Mixing and matching strategies: Creative investing requires flexibility and innovation.
• Attracting private money and partners: How to connect with potential investors and lenders.
• The downsides of creative investing: Understanding the challenges and how to overcome them.
• Strategies for various niches: Wholesaling, flipping, rentals, and more—successful approaches for each.

About Author:

Brandon Turner is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and author with over 500 rental units. He serves as Vice President of BiggerPockets, co-hosts its podcast, and has written several books, including The Book on Rental Property Investing. Featured in major publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur, Brandon shares insights on real estate investing and financial freedom.

#07 Title: What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow

• Author: Frank Gallinelli
• Goodreads Ratings: 4.13
• Best For: Anyone looking to make informed, financially sound decisions in real estate.

Book Overview:

This book is an essential guide for understanding and performing crucial real estate financial calculations. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced investor, this book breaks down 36 important calculations that help answer key questions like the current value of a property, expected cash flow, return on investment, and more.

Key Topics:

• Essential real estate financial calculations (cash flow, ROI, etc.)
• Determining property value and cash flow potential
• Evaluating the long-term financial viability of properties
• Financial formulas for making sound investment decisions
• A practical guide for investors, brokers, buyers, and sellers.

About Author:

Frank Gallinelli is the founder and President of RealData, Inc., a leading provider of investment software for the real estate industry. He also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University, where he teaches in the Master of Science in Real Estate Development program.

#08 Title: The ABCs of Real Estate Investing

• Author: Ken McElroy
• Goodreads Ratings: 4.11
• Best For: Commercial Investors

Book Overview:

This book offers a complete guide to real estate investing, covering key aspects like property acquisition, financing, and management. It also provides strategies for achieving financial independence and successful self-employment through property investment, including tips on screening partners, using research tools, and establishing systems for maintenance, accounting, and rent collection.

Key Topics:

• Build Wealth and Cash Flow: Create financial stability through real estate.
• Find High-Potential Properties: Identify profitable investment opportunities.
• Break Free from Myths: Overcome limiting misconceptions about investing.
• Negotiate Smart Deals: Focus on the numbers to secure the best deals.
• Evaluate Property Value: Assess fair pricing and investment potential.

About Author:

Ken is a best-selling author of books such as The ABCs of Real Estate Investing, The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing, and The ABCs of Property Management. With over 20 years of experience in real estate investment, property management, acquisitions, and business development, Ken has overseen more than $1 billion in real estate investments.

#09 Title: The E-Myth Real Estate Investor

• Authors: Michael E. Gerber, Than Merrill, Paul Esajian
• Goodreads Ratings: 4.04
• Best For: Real Estate Investment

Book Overview:

The E-Myth Real Estate Investor, by Than Merrill, Paul Esajian, and Michael E. Gerber, offers a comprehensive toolkit for launching or optimizing a real estate investment business. Filled with practical advice, this guide helps readers build a successful and thriving real estate business, providing strategies that can be easily implemented for maximum performance and growth.

Key Topics:

• Creating a Successful Business Plan: Key components like market research, financing, branding, and marketing strategies.
• Investor to Entrepreneur: Transform from a real estate investor to a real estate entrepreneur.
• Shift to Strategic Thinking: Move from working “in” your business to working “on” your business.
• Stop Trading Time for Money: Focus on creating passive income instead of working for each dollar.
• Implement Innovative Systems: Develop systems that deliver consistent results as your business scales.

About Authors:

Than Merrill and Paul Esajian are the co-founders of FortuneBuilders.com and CT Homes, alongside Konrad Sopielnikow. With over a decade of experience, they have bought and sold hundreds of properties, from single-family homes to commercial real estate.

Michael E. Gerber is the author of the bestselling The E-Myth Revisited and five other books focused on small business and entrepreneurship. He has also written 14 industry-specific E-Myth Vertical books, co-authored with industry experts, providing valuable insights for business owners across various fields.

#10 Title: Real Estate Investing for Dummies

• Author: Eric Tyson
• Goodreads Ratings: 3.86
• Best For: Beginners

Book Overview:

Real Estate Investing For Dummies (by Eric Tyson and Robert Griswold) provides practical, actionable advice to help investors navigate market challenges and stay ahead of the competition. The book offers proven strategies to make smart, informed real estate investment decisions that lead to significant rewards.

Key Topics:

• Tax Reform and Jobs Act (2018): Impact of tax changes on real estate investments.
• Best Investment Properties: Ideal property types for different investor profiles.
• NNN Investments & REITs/TICs: Understanding triple net leases and real estate investment trusts/tenancy-in-common.
• Tech for Property Management: Tools and apps for managing properties and accounting.
• Real Estate Investment Process: A step-by-step guide from property selection to ongoing management.

About Author:

Eric Tyson is a best-selling author, syndicated columnist, and financial expert with over two decades of real estate investment experience. A former management consultant to Fortune 500 financial firms, Eric has authored national bestsellers like Personal Finance For Dummies and Investing For Dummies.

Eric’s work has been featured in major publications and media outlets, including Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, and NBC’s Today Show.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Book to Read About Real Estate?

One of the best books to read about real estate is “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller. This comprehensive guide covers essential aspects of real estate investing, including mindset, financing, and property management, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced investors.

Which Real Estate Investment Is Best?

The best real estate investment often depends on individual goals and market conditions, but generally, residential rental properties and commercial real estate are considered strong options.

What Are the Best Books on Real Estate Investing for Beginners?

Some of the best books on real estate investing for beginners include:

• “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller, which provides a comprehensive overview of building wealth through real estate.
• “The Book on Rental Property Investing” by Brandon Turner, offering practical strategies for managing rental properties effectively.
• “The ABCs of Real Estate Investing” by Ken McElroy, which covers essential investment strategies and market analysis for new investors.

What Are the Best Books on Real Estate Development?

Some of the best books on real estate development include:

• “How Real Estate Developers Think: Design, Profits, and Community” by Peter Hendee Brown, which offers insights through interviews with influential developers.
• “The Real Estate Game” by William J. Poorvu, providing a narrative-driven exploration of real estate strategies used in the industry.