Top 4 Must Read Books for New & Aspiring Real Estate Investors
Readers are leaders. You can measure a man by the size of his library. We’ve all heard the clichés. And you know what? They’re true. The pattern repeats itself everywhere you look. Yes, there are exceptions (Gary Vee is self-admittedly one). But generally speaking, successful people read books.
Real estate investors are no exception, nor should we be. Sure, it can be argued that our industry is one of the most research-heavy already, so why would you want to add more reading to your diet? To that, I would respond like this: how successful do you want to be?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
You’re gonna hear a broken record from me on this book, guys. This was the book that really introduced me to personal development and entrepreneurship. It reads like a 330-page conversation with a friend. I will always and forever recommend this book as crucial for anyone looking to get out of the “rat race” and join the modern wealthy. USA Today called “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” quote, “a starting point for anyone looking to gain control of their financial future.” And I couldn’t agree more!
Click on the book to see the proof for yourself in the Amazon reviews! (No affiliate links here—just good information.) At some point there will be a more thorough review of this book, and it will probably live on Goodreads. I’ll link to it here once I have time to sit down and do this book proper justice. It’s the best $7-10 you’ll ever spend on the foundation of your financial and business education.
Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki
The next book on the list is almost as important as the one above. “Cashflow Quadrant” is book two in the Rich Dad series, and it pairs naturally with its predecessor.
This one is based on the premise that the work force is divided into four groups: Employees, Business Owners, Self-Employed, and Investors. And more importantly, Robert (I like to think we’d be on a first name basis) teaches the threads of how to move from one quadrant to another depending on your goals, as well as what those transition periods look like.
While “Cashflow Quadrant” didn’t garner the attention of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” it is a suitable, natural, and actionable follow-up. There are some time-tested traditions in here that should not be missed. Again, check out the Amazon reviews by clicking the book cover above.
Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Book number three (these are in no particular order, by the way) is perhaps THE seminal personal development literature. In some ways, it’s all there in the title. But Mr. Hill has a way with words, and his research into the habits of so many successful people gives readers a profound insight into what it takes to make it in modern society and business.
Hill uses stories of Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, and other millionaires and visionaries to illustrate his principles for success. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more concise and timeless guide to leading a fulfilled, balanced, good life.
Why We Want You To Be Rich by Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki
Next up… From Amazon: “Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki wrote Why We Want You To Be Rich because they saw how the turbulent economic climate would impact the middle class. They predict the middle class in America will continue to shrink—pushing most middle-class Americans into the ranks of the poor.”
Published in 2014, this book takes a stark, no-nonsense look at the state of the economy and the financial systems. Political affiliations aside, this is a book written by not one but TWO of the smartest, biggest failing, biggest success stories this country has ever known. You’d be well served to read their account of things. I loved it.
So that’s it for today’s list of Four Books For Real Estate Investors. Oh, and happy National Book Lovers Day!
What’s your favorite must-have book for every investor or entrepreneur? Let me know in the comments!
