The Millionaire Real Estate Investor

• #11 in Best Real Estate Books

41 Reviews

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An excellent book. You should know that I have read well over 200 books on real estate investing. And been investing seriously in real estate for over 25 years, as well as teach seminars on the topic. And this is the best book on the topic to come out recently. I predict it will be a classic, on the scale of William Nickerson's "How I Turned $1000 into Five Million in Real Estate in My Spare Time," no longer in publication. The writing is clear and simple. Most of the examples are investing in single family houses, so most people could start investing using this guide. The volume covers a vast range of issues related to being a successful real estate investor. You should be aware however, this is a "theoretical" or overview volume. There is not a lot of detail on how to impliment any one investment strategy. But it does give you a grounding in how real estate investing works. It gives you the guidelines for how to develop your real estate investing business. The only part I disagree with is the need to have a bunch of other people surround you as you build up your wealth. All the multimillionaire real estate investors I hang around with did it pretty much on their own. Maybe that just means we have different personalities. Other than that, however, I'm impressed--and there are few books on the topic that will inpress me these days. This is a far better investment than a $3,000 week-end seminar. You will get more from it and at a pittance of the price. I will definitely add this to my list of recommended real estate investment books. Ronald Starr***tigerinpa@yahoo.com

Gary Keller's two books "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" and "The Millionaire Real Estate Investor" are the best books on the market for real estate professionals, and there's not even a close second. Beyond that, though, together they are far and away the most practical and effective roadmap for laying the foundation for any growing business. Not only that, these books are packed with incredible wisdom for living an effective life. For example, I use Keller's advice on accountability not only to do a better job of running my business, but also to be a more effective parent. I also find myself frequently referencing the powerful ideas included in these books in my speeches on values-based life and leadership skills.

You will want to read these books with pen and highlighter in hand, and you will find yourself returning frequently to remind and refresh yourself of the many valuable ideas that are hidden away in these incredible textbooks for a successful business and a successful life.

My daily mail arrived as it does each day at 3:00. A stuffed Express Mail packet at the bottom of the stack catches my attention. It's my copy of 'The Millionaire RE Investor.' I fan the pages casually when the phone rings. It's my 3:00 appointment. The conversation ensues while I hold open to page one. I'll read it after the call. First few pages. Then shelve it. After all, I have a technology company to run and a big contract to close.

3:35 - deal completed. Another notch on a belt riddled with notches. Gonna need a new belt pretty soon. I look down and think back on all the books responsible for my success. Both personal and business. Books that honed my skill to reel in the type of contracts that grow companies. That can be closed in a 35-minute call.

I scan page one. Basically I'm not committing. After all, I'm an experienced investor. What I don't know I can fit into ...

... this entire book. 75 pages later. It's 5:35. I've held all calls. Put off my end of day meetings with staff. It's me and Keller. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor. The book comes home with me. I take it to bed. And proceed to stay up until 4:00 a.m. and just about finish it. And I thought only Dan Brown and Elmore Leonard could do that to me.

8:00 a.m. I'm back at my desk. A Starbucks IV inserted into my veins. My conference bridge has my mortgage guy here in CA. My Cyberstar Realtor in Portland. My financial planner in NYC. I'm orchestrating a real estate deal I never thought possible. And it was there under my nose all the time. Only two things could have made this happen; a nose job or this book.

Kellers book is for those who invest. But truthfully it's really for those who don't or who will someday. The psychological path Keller takes especially in the re-enacted dialogue with his students throughout, reads with a Hollywood script like fluidity. Think Mamet. Calculated. Pinpoint. With a clarity that marks Keller as not just a great thinker and teacher but as a great writer as well.

To that end, it is going to be a while before the book finds its home on the shelf. I have 4 children and this is going to be their required reading. Not out of greed to amass fortunes. But for reasons far nobler than you could imagine. Read and become enlightened.

I think this is a great book for those who are looking into investing in real estate. This book will not tell you exactly how to buy real estate. I don't think that was the point of the book. After reading it I feel more confident now about why investing in real estate is a great idea. This book does give you a good foundation on real estate investing; it covers topics on a broader scale rather than telling you exactly what to do.

This book would be very usefull if you are:
Interested in real estate and would like to know more.
You are about to invest.
Have never thought about real estate as an investment.
Or if you have any doubts and questions.

It would not be usefull if you are:
A real estate agent.
You already have investment properties.
Or if you already have a good foundation in real estate knowledge.

After waffling a bit, Gary firmly endorses paying off your house through extra payments. The same money could be used to purchase investment property. I have never understood how people can put down 10%, see that their house's value has gone up 10% in a year or two, and then, after having had a first hand demonstration of the power of leverage, decide that their loan is something they want to get rid of.
If you have all sorts of extra cash coming in, I guess you can pay off your home, but for most of us, our home's equity is our first source of downpayment money for investment property.

I just received this book and I purchased it based on the 5 starts given by other readers. I am very disappointed. The book is full of "fluff" to cut to the chase. It keeps on talking about all these different paralells about how one choose not miss opportunities. It lacks on specifics.
I expected some real pointers on what potential investors should do to get traction on their real estate investment. What mistakes to avoid. How to properly evaluate proterties. Look at cash flow etc. Real investment issues.

Big disappointment. I plan on returning this book.

This book like so many others on the subject is a real let down. It tales about why you should invest in RE but not how. A good book on how is- Start Small, Profit Big in Real Estate : Fixer Jay's 2-Year Plan for Building Wealth - Starting from Scratch. Or this best I've read to start any business of your own is- The Perfect Business by Micheal Leboeuf. Your time and money would be much better spent on either of these.

As someone who has little experience in real estate investing, I found "The Millionaire Real Estate Investor" to be an extremely helpful and practical step by step road map for real estate investing. The book provides a very detailed systematic approach and is packed with real life examples that make the idea of taking one's first steps towards investing seem a lot more doable!

I ordered the book before its release because I knew it would be great. After having been to many of Gary and Dave's classes and seminars I purchased Millionaire Real Estate Agent believing it would be the icing on the cake and it is. However, this book arrived in the footprints of book #1 and had quite a bit to live up to for me. To put it conservatively, I'm blown away at the clear, concise communication from this book and the explanation of the systems. I've been an agent for 10 years and have worked with many investors. I'm an investor as well that has dreamt of the millionaire stage but now understand the reality of what I can look forward to in the not-so-far-off future. I can look around my office right now and count 20 to 30 books on investing, managing and financing investment property. Not one of those books comes close to the clarity of the true, proven path that investors should take that is a cumulative system of several millionaire investors versus the story of how one guy got it right. This book nails it! I've met some of the people spotlighted in the back of the book and know they're real - so don't doubt that. I bought two cases of this book to give to my clients that are on the investment track and those that want to get there. It's probably the best gift I could give to my clients and it is absolutely the best gift I've given to myself in quite a long time. The level of excitement and motivation this book has created for me tops the scale - my wheels are spinning on new bearings and the opportunities that have been right in front of my face but I couldn't see - I'm seeing 'em baby! If you're not sure where or how to start on your journey and you're looking for simple understanding of real estate investing and a REAL system to get you where you want to be - this IS the path, the thought process and the book you want. If you THINK you know what you're doing and don't need this one - think again. Even if you're seasoned, Keller's book is so incredibly eye-opening that it's a relief to read. Do yourself a favor and dive in to this one! If you buy anything else first you are definitely wasting precious time and M-O-N-E-Y!
ps ... I work for one of the other real estate brokerages so don't think this is an inside job! Get the book!!!

I have been a real estate professional for 9 years and have dabbled in investment properties. This book gives you the model to be successful in real estate investing and truly change your life. Before you buy one property read this book and have a plan with a proven model to support it. You will be glad you did!

34 years in the real estate business 25 of those years as an investor and educator gives me a real appreciation for this book. This is a must read for anyone considering investing in real estate or pursuing a career in real estate. Strong sound advise anchored with real life examples of people who have made the transition of Millionaire Real Estate Investors makes this book different than most get rich books.

I am using the principles found in this book in my teachings and though I was given my copy I've bought additional copies for family and friends.

Buy it, read it, believe it, it will change your life!

This is the kind of book anyone can read and grasp. No matter your level of real estate experience you will benefit from this book by Gary Keller.

This book is absolutely fantastic. Gary Keller has written a guide that is extremely easy to understand, motivational, and overpowed with knowledge of investing in real estate. I do not currently own any real estate, but I now have meeting setup with an agent next week - no joke. This book provides the tools necessary to get over the fear I had of investing in real estate. I know that with this book as my guide, my investing strategy is going to change substantially. I now realize that you do not have to be wealthy to start out in real estate. The opportunities are there. You just have to be willing to take the next step. I look forward to the future and my future as a Millionaire Real Estate Investor.

This book is terrific for the beginner investor. It has lots of great tips and worksheets to use to help start on your way to becoming a millionaire real estate investor. It also has great motivational content to help you feel like you are ready to jump in and get to work!

One of the better books I've read on real estate investing and I've read many. Gary Keller covers lead generatiion strategies for finding good investment properties and selection criteria that can be used successfully whether a person is buying to sell or buying to hold. I especially liked the inspirational section titled "Profiles of Real-Life Millionaire Real Estate Investors" where experienced investors from all over the country share their personal knowledge and tips for investing in real estate.

This is an outstanding book that is a must for anyone wanting to learn the process for attaining wealth in real estate. The reviews posted on Amazon were all true and I would highly recommend this book. Bear in mind it is not a get rich quick scheme and you must have an ability (either through guts or gumption) to follow through with his suggestions. Just reading the book won't make you a millionaire, you are still going to have to work for it!

The only problem with the book is over half the book is cheerleading to get to the meat and potato's. The book is short on formula's and investment rules.

Very well written. Insightful. Teaches one how to start and run any type of sales or service business.

Being an experienced investor for many years clouded my initial perspective when I started this book. By the time I finished, my eyes were open and my mind racing. This cleared the accumulated debris away that I have acquired over the years and has allowed me to take my plan to the next level.

This book truly provides an easy, concise path to real estate wealth! It would be a disservice to not read this!

This book is not worth your time. It covers the most basic material, and full of clichés, generalities and fallacies. If you are over 20 years old and if you actually find something new in this book, then you definitely shouldn't be investing in real estate. You might get lucky when the tide is rising, but you will likely loose it all.

If you liked The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, you are really going to love The Millionaire Real Estate Investor. Anthony Robbins, noted motivational/inspirational/self-help speaker and author has said many times, "Success Leaves Clues!" Gary Keller has taken the clues of many real estate investors and has created a book that shows you how they did it and explains how you can to. Most millionaires in the U. S. either started by investing in real estate or a prominent part of their financial portfolio contains real estate investments. This book takes you from the first investment sale to investing in many sales and clearly demonstrates how to avoid the pitfalls and going it alone mentality (no one can do it better than I can). I have been in real estate for over 25 years and can only imagine where I would be today had I had access to this book 25 years ago.

I was hoping for more details on the different types of real estate transactions while the book is more focused on just getting you excited about real estate and getting started. Pretty good if you need something to lift you up and get you going but very light on details - models discussed are very high level.

This is a MUST Read! the authors really show how anyone can do this business and yet really get into the meat of investing. I have been investing for 20 years and this will be a gift for many of my friends and students! Thanks for writing it!
Wendy Patton

I have read alot of books about real estate investing. This is the only one that I had to put down after a few pages of reading to grasp what the concepts would mean in my business. As such, it took a long time to read, but has been well worth it.

The foundations of "know your criteria" really focused on what areas of real estate investing I wanted to be in.

The "Buy a million/own a million/make a million" concept got me out of a transaction (# of houses bought) oriented model to a net worth type model. Now, every time a house comes on the market, I know what I am looking for, know if I am going to make a profit of either cash flow or equity and intutively am not caught up in paralysis by analysis like so many of my real estate investor friends.

That being said, even if you aren't a buy and hold investor, this book is one that I recommend to everyone in my real estate investment group. I still go back to it a year after initially reading it to drill down into the insights that Keller provides.

I am only part of the way through reading this book, but so far it's great. I personally might have left out (or at least cut back on) many of the "personal" family stories. Although "The $100,000 that got away" was ironic, to say the least.
As a licensed REALTOR® since 1994, I find there is always something more that you can learn and this book provides just that. I plan to give it to many of my clients that are "serial remodelers" as well as savvy investors. If I can learn something, they can too!

Cid Young
Moss Beach, CA

Like many of the reviews posted everyone gives the book many accolades. Gary Keller has based his total professional success in life on proven business models that are used everyday by the Masters of Real Estate Investing. It is so easy to fail when you don't know what you are doing.
Clarity of task (preparation) is just as big a part of the actual purchase as timing. Real Estate is always a good investment because if bought correctly you will make your money the day you buy and realize the profit; the day you sell. All the education from all of the guru's is worthless if not based on actual experience. This book or art form is firmly based on experience (models) of the people that practice what they teach. These models serve as a road map to real esate investing success. You can achieve your dream much faster if you increase your learning curve on the first step thereby giving yourself the edge. Another site to get good valid information is Johntreed.com. John reviews many of the big names that we know. John is one of the very successful real estate investors.

Great book, it's not just a bunch of fluff like some other books are. The book breaks the process down and give's you good outlines follow. Also has some inspiring story to motivate you.

I was impressed with the thought process and financial process that Gary Keller's team lays out in this book. I downloaded the worksheets and will gladly use them to focus on growing my net worth.

This book was shipped on time. Makes for some great reading.

I am a full time experienced Real Estate investor. I have been buying, selling and renting properties as a full time occupation for 30 years. Over the years I have purchased nearly 1000 properties.
I am continually asked by others to show them what I do and how I do it.
Recently I have begun purchasing and giving out copies of this book to those inquiring, as a prerequsite before I will spend time with them sharing my knowledge and experience. Most have found it very helpful.
This is not a get rich quick guidebook. It is good, practical advise about investing in Real Estate for the long term. Much of what is discussed in the book rings true with what my experience has been.

This book is a look at a well developed process from front to back on how to flip houses. It is obviously written by those who have done it over and over. While we have yet to put it to use we are looking forward to doing so but realize we will need to fit it to our own region. The book was obviously written for a more metropolitan area than we live in. While I am sure that we will be able to apply many things the networking and searching etc will definitely be different for those of us who live in rural areas. Since we built our own home and have been in on the building and renovations of quite a few others we are knowledgeable enough to realize that the book has lots of good pointers on the actual process of fixing the house up. The book is definitely worth the price.

As you would come to expect from the Millionaire series, this book is direct and lays out a very clear path on what to do to achieve several levels of millionaire status, from the beginning to the end where you take a non active role in your company and still reap all the financial benefits of the company. The writing style was rather easy to read and the profiles of millionaire investors is inspiring. The forms at the end of the book are helpful. Although Gary is a fan of the debt free method of portfolio growth, he does talk about using leverage and the healthy leverage levels to use. This gives you a guide that will help you own the portfolio instead of it owning you.

This book has found a spot on my shelf and will be a reference for different models that I use in different situations.

I think this is a great introduction to real estate investment. This is not a step-by-step "how to" guide, but I don't think such a book can be written successfully for something as diverse and intricate as real estate investment (that's like trying to find a book to become a successful investment banker). However, this book definitely provides a great primer to fundamental concepts and some good guidance. If you are new to this field/industry, I highly recommend this book. Where a book like 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' provides a wakeup call and inspiration/motivation, this is a nice segue to help you actually understand the basics of how investment in properties works.

As I said previously, a book can only provide so much education. You can definitely find some good reads on specific strategies (rehab, lease options, short sales, etc). I think this book provides a solid foundation upon which one would want to go start working with mentors and real investors. I became a bit of a "seminar junky" and book monger, but in retrospect, I should have just read this book and then networked with actual people in the industry.

Anyways, just my $0.02, as REI books go, this is a definite must-read.

I found this book to be rather inspirational. Described in detail was a manner in which one could, simply by following directions and employing basic due-dilligence, come to possess and own-outright, over a period of time, a portfolio of real estate assets valued in excess of $1million.

Major pro's of this book include:
- No get rich scheme
- Plenty of charts and tables
- Mental-maps to how the wealthy perceive money as compared to the un-wealthy (i.e. the Financially Wealthy Money Matrix, the Path of Money, etc.)
- Explaining the key difference between an opportunity and a deal, and how one's criteria and terms are involved in each
- Profiles of real Real Estate Millionaire Investors who were surveyed to create the content for this book

Cons:
- None that come readily to mind

I have, and will continue to recommend this book to anyone who is seriously considering investing in real estate. There's no sense re-inventing the wheel, and viewed properly this book can be viewed as a set of schematics to help you build your own before you start.

Keller's The Millionaire Real Estate Investor is a fabulous reference book for the aspiring real estate investor and anyone who may already be invested, but who got off on a less disciplined start. There is a fullness in the guidance offered here. The challenge is not with the guidance. The challenge will be in the disciplined implementation of what is being recommended. The reward will be for the investor who is so disciplined. This is a very valuable reference tool.

Book is in a very good condition and more than what I expected it to be. Paid a reasonable price and shipping. Shipping was fast. Book is very good for beginner investor to get there and do the job. Very well organized contents and a Great Read!

I Ordered this book from Amazon on April 10, 2008. It is June 26 as I write. I never received this item! I wrote to Amazon twice,but never received a responce. They are great at selling, but very poor when problems arise. I will never purchase anything from them again.
Good luck

I didn't quite complete this book. Mainly because I have seen or read about many of the strategies in other books or seminars. But I consider this to be a fairly comprehensive guide to investing in real estate.
Chris George
303.478.5501

This book is a little long, but I appreciated its content. It makes sense, works hard to communicate a way of thought, not just a system, and pretty straight-forward.

It could have probably been trimmed to 2/3 of what it is, but it's still a good read.

I found this to be more of a motivational book than a technical book. I was expecting it to be more technical. In the end I can say that I appreciate the case studies provided by several of the author's acquaitances. It was a good read, just not what I expected it would be.

One thing I like about the books Gary Keller puts together is he goes right to "the horse's mouth" and asks those who are making it big investing in real estate, "What are you doing that works so well for you." He sees a pattern they all have, and then puts a system down in book form that anyone can follow.

For the beginner, there are enough details to give you a good idea what to do...beginning to end. Create a plan, and pursue it. Stay focused.

For the advanced, you get reaffirmation that what you are doing is right, and a few new angles to try. You'll find a gem here and there that will strengthen your systems and procedures. Most of all, you get the notion to think big. I mean REALLY BIG. A million dollars a year in cash flow BIG! Big enough so you can share your masses of wealth with the masses, make a difference in the world, and never miss the money.

Specifics are somewhat lacking, but don't sweat that part. There is no right or wrong investment, only a right or wrong way of handling it.