There are several ideas that rental real estate investors need to comprehend to be prosperous. If you are getting started as an investor, the challenge of learning can seem very steep. Accompanied by 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 easiest ways to get these educational building blocks is to review some of the industry’s must-read books. Although there are many other books to choose from, it is better if you focus on the top 5, so you can be well on your way to a good knowledge base.
1. Building Wealth One House at a Time by John Schaub
According to his book, John Schaub has expressed meaningful investing strategies and guidance for over four decades. This book is one of the pillars that any rental real estate investor should read. Practically, Schaub covers the general principles and strategies of real estate investing, financing, the basics of deal analysis, and much more. To get a clear understanding of 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 choose to put your resources in rental real estate, you must be ready to crunch the numbers. Your long-term success depends on it. It is the reason why Frank Gallinelli’s book is another must-read for new investors. It consists of deal analysis, financing, and even provides Excel spreadsheets and formulas you can use. If you’re searching for an accurate analysis of cash flow, this book is definitely for you.
3. Every Landlord’s Legal Guide by Marcia Stewart, Ralph Warner, & Janet Portman
Investing in real estate has a strong constitutional element to it, which makes learning the basics of landlord-tenant law very important. 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
Though rental real estate is much more recession-resistant than the stock market, as J. Scott reveals that there are still principles and strategies that investors need to learn to retain their investments protected against economic downturns. Although 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 last book on our checklist is one that recommends investing advice and a personal finance guide. Pay attention to this guideline because, as a rental real estate investor, your performance will base according to your specific objectives. If you finish reading Chad Carson’s book, you will realize 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.
Once you are ready to engage in investing and secure your first properties. Make sure you are working with the best property management business today. Contact us online or call us at 407-681-7802 today.
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