Learning to invest in yourself is the most important step in your real estate investing journey. I highly recommend all real estate investors read these practical, inspirational books with close attention. These books not only presented techniques that have been invaluable to my real estate investment success, they boosted my self-confidence and helped awaken an inner fire for successful investing in real estate.

• “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” by Robert Kiyosaki. – This was the first book to give me a push toward real estate investing. The principles in the book are so simple a child could understand them, yet they are profound. The basic investing concepts in this book have been my guide for the last 13 years of cash flow investing and entrepreneurship.
• “The Cashflow Quadrant,” by Robert Kiyosaki.  – This was the 2nd book by Robert Kiyosaki that deeply resonated with me. Kiyosaki describes the different levels of investors in depth. He accurately pinpoints where most people stand, and what it takes to become one of the very few ultimate rich investors. I found myself wanting to learn more, grow more, and work toward becoming that top level investor someday.
• “How to Build a Real Estate Empire,” by Marcel Arsenault and John Hamilton.  This book focuses on owning commercial real estate and apartment complexes. In any context, I found the wisdom to be very practical and spot on. The book was researched and assembled by Marcus, Millichap & Green, three names synonymous with commercial real estate success. The book is brought to life with the stories of 4 different investors, frankly told with the highs and lows of their journeys, making for inspired reading.
• “The E Myth,” by Michael E. Gerber.  I consider this book required reading for any entrepreneur, especially someone starting off in real estate investing. Michael Gerber shares an understanding of how to work “on” your business, not “in” your business. Although not a real estate book, “The E Myth” profoundly shaped my career from the early days.  Gerber gives clear-headed counsel on avoiding common entrepreneurial pitfalls and how to control your own success. The importance of building systems that will consistently deliver a successful product, and how to inspire employees and subcontractors have helped create a foundation for my success.

I consider these books to be essentials.  They are not expensive, are easy reads, and are readily available through the web. The concepts presented in each are key to establishing and maintaining your own investing powerhouse. Buy them, read them, and keep them handy as you continue your real estate investing journey!

How has any one of these books influenced your career decisions?

If you are new to real estate investing and exploring this process, I suggest starting with my free ebook guide to finding undervalued properties.