I’ve chosen “How to Build a Real Estate Empire” by Marcel Arsenault, John Hamilton, Ben Leeds and Gerald Marcil to include in my essential reading list because it is grounded in practical, real-world advice, from 4 men who did everything in real estate investing that they write about. Arsenault, et al, write from their own personal experience, and includes their own stories of building real estate portfolios to values of hundreds of millions of dollars. All describe the pitfalls and triumphs, and the methods and strategies for achieving enormous success in real estate.

The book is not written for the beginning investor and some background in real estate is helpful.  However, many readers feel the personal stories are a great read and that a high degree of expertise is not necessary to enjoy it.

The book was compiled and edited by Marcus, Millichap & Green. They chose these stories based on an important basic criteria – the successful investors not only built an empire, they built a self-sustaining one that does not require their day-to-day input to run.  What is the good of amassing great wealth if all it does is create more daily grind, without the time and peace to enjoy it?  I want to guide you to read authors who will help you build not just wealth, but a life that is worth living.  I chose that path and it’s one I want to share with you as well.

In a later blog post I’ll be reviewing Michael Gerber’s book “The E Myth,” because although it does not directly discuss real estate investing, it does show how to structure a business to remain stable and run itself without the constant guide and correction of the business owner/entrepreneur.  Marcus, Millichap & Green’s book is the embodiment of many of those principals.

In addition to these personal stories, the book goes on to detail strategies that other investors can follow.  Details on real estate portfolio tools and how to use them, as well as reviews of current economic factors, build on the message of the four investors who contributed to the book. These inspiring personal stories are accompanied by road maps of how you can follow the same path.

What is your own favorite “greatest moment in World Series history?”

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