10 Best Books For Real Estate Investors (2023 List)

What’s the most valuable skill you can develop as a real estate investor and entrepreneur? 

It’s not talking to sellers, negotiating with buyers, managing finances, or even — as we love to talk about here at REISift — learning to organize your data into well-targeted marketing campaigns. 

The best skill that you can develop as a real estate investor and entrepreneur is to become a self-learner. 

Where most people depend on others for their success, you must learn to take responsibility for your own business and seek answers to your own questions.

Reading is an important part of that. 

Because reading equals learning. Consider what Mark Cuban said about reading and his own success: 

“Everything I read was public. Anyone could buy the same books and magazines. The same information was available to anyone who wanted it. Turns out most people didn’t want it. Most people won’t put in the time to get a knowledge advantage.”

Assuming that you’re not “most people” and that you are willing to put in the time to gain a knowledge advantage, here are 10 books to get you on your way. 

1. The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner

This book is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to buy and hold real estate. Brandon Turner explains how to choose properties, how to repair them, and how to calculate the ROI of a deal. It’s not an exact blueprint, but it’s a great starting place. 

Top-Rated Amazon Review

“My husband and I are just starting out in our real estate investment business and this book really breaks everything down for you, especially when it comes to calculating your ROI before making a purchase/deal and learning about the pros & CONS of each type of rental property. I love that he’s so honest and doesn’t just tell you that there’s one right way to do real estate. Instead he lays out the different options plain and simple and encourages you to do the work to decide what’s best for your lifestyle and skills. This book is not for the lazy, but rather those who are willing to learn and do the work for your future and posterity. This is a great read and I definitely recommend it for anyone just starting out in rental property investment.”

Our Favorite Quote

“Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? While many investors have ‘sprinted’ toward their investment goals, success is most often found by consistent action, not big action.”

2. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

This book is less about real estate investing and more about the mindset necessary to acquire wealth, whether through real estate or other means. Still, it’s on our list because a person only grows as much as they allow themself to grow. We think this is an important book for every real estate investor to read. 

Top-Rated Amazon Review

“I read this book about 11 years ago at 27 years old , had no money, I followed the advice in this book and now have 15 rental properties paid off free and clear, my assets more than cover all my expenses. I just bought this book again, I'm in the middle of reading it again now 11 years later and can't put it down. I hate reading btw. I plan on reading this book at least three more times over the next 20 years so I can keep all info fresh in my mind. People always ask me about success. I tell them to read this book...whats crazy is that they don't read it. You can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink. The book changed my life and it will change yours. Do you want change or do you just want to talk and think about change? There is a big difference , do it.”

Our Favorite Quote

“An important distinction is that rich people buy luxuries last, while the poor and middle- class tend to buy luxuries first.”

3. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller

This book is important for real estate investors who want to strengthen their mindset and grow their businesses. Gary Keller explains common myths about investing, important criteria for finding deals, how to build a “dream team”, and the high-level blueprint for investing at scale.

Top-Rated Amazon Review

“Not to discount the vast experience of this author, which I definitely acknowledge, but this book is 75% motivational "you can do it!" fluffiness and 25% great ideas. If you need the motivational pump-up, then this book is for you. If you don't (because you already KNOW you can do it or have already started doing it), you'll have to wade through a bunch of that to get to the really helpful meat of the matter. Still, if you can walk away with even one or two good ideas, the read was worth it. I just think it could have been 300 pages shorter.”

Our Favorite Quote

“Most people think buying is investing, but they’re wrong. Buying doesn’t make you an investor any more than buying groceries makes you a chef.”

4. Long-Distance Real Estate Investing by David Greene

The 21st century presents a unique opportunity for real estate investors: the ability to find, buy, and rehab properties from a distance. In this book, David Greene outlines his strategy for doing just that. And while his real-life expertise shines through, his long-windedness makes it so you might want to use the table of contents to skip to the good stuff. 

Top-Rated Amazon Review

“David presents some very good actionable content that has clearly been gleaned from years of being an active Investor. One major criticism of his book: it is about twice as long as it needs to be. He says the bulk of the applicable stuff in the middle chapters. Do yourself a favor and utilize the table of contents to get you directly to the information you need. Avoid reading this book cover to cover.”

Our Favorite Quote

“Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.”

5. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

This book is a classic about building prosperity. As Amazon’s description puts it, you’ll learn how to “keep more out what you earn; get out of debt; put your money to work; attract good luck; choose wise investments; and safeguard a lasting fortune.” Buy it. Read it. 

Top-Rated Amazon Review

“Looking back on the last 50 years of my life, one of best things that ever happened to me was my wife's uncle telling me to buy and read this book. That was a year before I shipped out for Vietnam.

A few years after I returned, I remembered his words when we found out he had passed and I bought the book. We had two kids, paycheck to paycheck, and no savings. I read the book and it hit home; hard. Slowly, week-by-week, we started to build savings. Now, we have a good retirement, well off and secure. This book started it off.

Easy to read and understand, timeless message. This book should be required reading for all school kids. It doesn't espouse greed like Think and Grow Rich. It simply teaches that you already have the ability to grow your prosperity from what you already have.

READ THIS BOOK and change your life forever.”

Our Favorite Quote

“Advice is one thing that is freely given away, but watch that you only take what is worth having.”

6. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

In Who Moved My Cheese?, Dr. Spencer Johnson tells a silly and surprisingly powerful parabal about two mice who deal with change and adversity in different ways. This book will teach real estate investors how to deal with and adapt to change… rather than complaining about and getting lost to it. 

Top-Rated Amazon Review

“This book is all about dealing with change emotionally and methodically, and realizing when things are about to change. We miss the warning signs sometimes, and nobody is perfect. This book helped me realize my own issues of denial about my grandmother's decline, how I could have made better choices speaking up, and the aftermath — accepting her passing and processing things in time.

For somebody else, the change and loss could be a marriage, a job, or finances. What I took from the book is that as humans we definitely will become emotional, but staying in one place and doing the same things doesn't get you closer to the cheese. You have to put on your tracksuit and shoes and work through your maze. I love this book, and would reccommend it to anyone going through something right now. It applies to life in ways that will amaze you.”

Our Favorite Quote

“What you are afraid of is never as bad as what you imagine. The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists.”

7. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg

In the Go-Giver, Bob Burg tells a fictional story about a young man who yearns for success. Along the way, he learns that success is achieved through giving more, not taking more. This is a powerful book that all real estate investors should read. 

Top-Rated Amazon Review

“Easiest recommendation ever. Having such superb guidance in the form of a story rather than simply another textbook really helps to convey the message. Which, cleverly, represents just how well messages are conveyed through stories - something all good salespeople should be aware of.

This is one of those books you can go back to time and time again - whether you dip in and out of it, or read it cover to cover (I recommend the latter), it's just constant value.

The ‘Go-Giver’ mindset should be applied at work, at home, with your neighbours, with the checkout attendant at the supermarket - it's a way of life. The law of reciprocity concept exists for a reason, and is the fundamental basis for this book.”

Our Favorite Quote

“Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.”

8. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

In this book, Dale Carnegie takes a deep (and fascinating) dive into the psychological factors that make people tick. You’ll learn how to interact with people to build immediate trust and quickly turn strangers into friends, which, of course, isn’t an important skillset for real estate investors. 

Top-Rated Amazon Review

“I wish I had purchased this book sooner.

Dale Carnegie's advice has remained constant and applicable across the years for a reason. It's simple and his techniques make perfect sense. If you're anything like me, you'll be kicking yourself when you see how you could have handled situations differently. I'm being transformed from a socially awkward, timid and defensive person, to someone that seems collected and confident.

If you're having troubles in life and simply can't figure out what you're doing wrong, this is a fantastic place to start. Good luck on your journey!”

Our Favorite Quote

“It isn't what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”

9. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

In this book, Stephen Covey outlines the 7 mindset habits of the world’s most successful, productive, and effective people. This is a gem that every entrepreneur and real estate investor needs to have on their shelf. 

Top-Rated Amazon Review

“I frequently buy this book as part of my graduation presents. I just gave a young woman this book yesterday, and told her that other than the Bible, this book has been the most transformative and important book in my life. Although its been years since I read it in full, I use its principles in my life, quote it, remember it. Thinking about buying the workbook as a refresher course for myself. Not a book to read and put down. I book to transform your life if you apply its principles in your personal life and professional life.”

Our Favorite Quote

“But until a person can say deeply and honestly, ‘I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday,’ that person cannot say, ‘I choose otherwise.’”

10. The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down by Brandon Turner

In this insightful guide, real estate expert Brandon Turner presents an array of strategies and techniques to invest in real estate with minimal capital or financial resources. This book is a must-read for aspiring real estate investors and entrepreneurs who wish to enter the market with limited funds, teaching them how to leverage creative financing methods to build their portfolio.

Top-Rated Amazon Review

"This book is the real deal. Brandon Turner is an expert in the world of real estate investing, and he doesn't hold back in sharing his knowledge. The book is filled with practical advice and specific examples of how to invest in real estate using various strategies that don't require a lot of money. It has inspired me to think outside the box and pursue my dreams of building a real estate portfolio. If you're considering investing in real estate but are short on funds, this book is essential."

Our Favorite Quote

"Creative investing is not about avoiding risk; it's about understanding risk and using it to your advantage. It's not about getting rich quick; it's about getting rich smart. And finally, it's not about using 'no money'; it's about using other people's money, other people's time, other people's knowledge, and other people's resources to create a better future for yourself and your family."

Which book are you adding to your list? Let us know in the comments!