6+ Favorite Books on Real Estate Investment (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on real estate investment (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

1. House Lust by Daniel McGinn

   

   $14.96

   In House Lust, Daniel McGinn takes a close look at America's intense fascination with homes, examining how our houses have morphed into both living spaces and investment opportunities. He shares insights from interviews and research, highlighting quirky trends like shirtless carpenters and the matchmaking role of real estate agents. I found McGinn's exploration of the emotional and financial stakes tied to homeownership really eye-opening. However, I wish more people would read this book; it could really shift perspectives on housing. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that might even save you some cash down the line.

   Pros:

   • Insightful exploration of American obsession with real estate
   • Interesting perspective on motivations behind housing decisions
   • Potential to save readers money and improve financial future

   Cons:

   • Not enough people read it

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   09/10/2025 04:00 pm GMT
2. The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner

   

   $13.83

   In The Book On Rental Property Investing, Brandon Turner lays out a thorough guide for anyone interested in rental properties. He breaks down key concepts like appreciation, cash flow, and tax benefits while offering practical advice on property management and investment strategies like the BRRRR method. I really wish I had this book during my early real estate adventures; it’s straightforward without the fluff, and it honestly highlights the ups and downs of investing. While I’m not diving back into real estate, this book is perfect for newcomers ready to take the plunge.

   Pros:

   • Comprehensive guide for all levels of real estate investors
   • In-depth look at key wealth generators in real estate
   • Offers practical advice on property management and investment strategies
   • Covers advanced topics like BRRRR and seller financing
   • Encourages treating rental investing as a business

   Cons:

   • Not a whole lot!

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   09/10/2025 05:04 pm GMT
3. Blighted by Margaret Stagmeier

   

   $15.18

   In Blighted, Margaret Stagmeier tackles the pressing issue of the housing crisis in America, focusing on blighted properties through her experience with a distressed Atlanta site. The book thoughtfully explores the complex factors behind urban decay and offers hopeful solutions, emphasizing real-life examples that highlight the human impact of blight. I appreciated Stagmeier's pragmatic approach and the importance she places on collaboration between public and private sectors. While she presents a successful model, I found myself skeptical about its scalability across the U.S. Overall, I enjoyed the insights but felt it leaned too heavily on one success story.

   Pros:

   • The book provides nuanced insights into the housing crisis and blighted properties.
   • Stagmeier uses real-life examples and personal experiences to illustrate her points.
   • The book emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors for community revitalization.
   • It offers a holistic approach to addressing both physical decay and social revitalization.
   • The author effectively presents real numbers to discuss costs and fairness in real estate.
   • The focus on a specific property provides a pragmatic view of affordable housing issues.

   Cons:

   • A few chapters could use editing.
   • The author leans heavily into the success of her model, which may not be universally applicable.

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   09/10/2025 06:02 pm GMT
4. The Business Owners' Guide To Financial Freedom by Mark Kohler

   

   $9.99

   In The Business Owners' Guide To Financial Freedom, Mark Kohler focuses on helping small business owners and entrepreneurs navigate long-term financial planning and wealth management without relying on Wall Street. I appreciated the practical advice on cash flow, debt management, and investment strategies. It’s a solid read for those looking to take control of their finances. However, I found it overly focused on real estate, which might not suit everyone. Overall, I’d recommend it, especially for those wanting to build wealth through their businesses, despite its narrow emphasis on real estate. Also, political side note - I have the world's tiniest violin for wealthy Americans and their personal tax complaints. I'm all for debating tax policy, but the number of completely legal, ethical, and open tax strategies that make sense only above a certain income or with certain employment status is mind-boggling. This is how Warren Buffet's executive assistant pays a higher effective tax than he does.

   Pros:

   • The book provides practical advice for small business owners.
   • It excels in explaining cash flows, business investments, and debt management.
   • I highly recommend it for its detailed insights on financial freedom.

   Cons:

   • The book is a bit heavy on real estate strategies.
   • It could have explored more diverse investment options.

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   09/10/2025 10:03 pm GMT
5. Bubble in The Sun by Christoper Knowlton

   

   $14.05

   In Bubble in The Sun, Christopher Knowlton explores the wild real estate boom in Florida during the 1920s and how it set the stage for the Great Depression. The book highlights how speculation, easy credit, and corruption created a volatile environment that ultimately led to disaster. I appreciated the engaging writing style and the entertaining anecdotes that made it a quick read. It also draws relevant parallels to today's economy, which I found refreshing. However, I felt the author overlooked a key point: the infrastructure from that boom eventually became valuable. Overall, it's a fascinating look at economic cycles that’s worth reading.

   Pros:

   • Engaging narrative that makes complex economic events accessible
   • Thorough research that provides a comprehensive look at the Florida boom
   • Well-written with funny anecdotes, making it a fast read

   Cons:

   • The author does not address the contradiction regarding the eventual usefulness of the developments from the Bubble.

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   09/10/2025 10:02 pm GMT
6. Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses

   

   $15.03

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   09/11/2025 12:04 am GMT