Post: #1

While I'm not some big shot RE investor, I have come across a number of great real estate websites that have augmented my fix & flips, buy & holds strategies across the years. I wanted to share with the forum.

http://www.biggerpockets.com/
This site is part educational/part RE social network. Definitely recommend checking it out. There are podcasts, beginners guides, forums, and even a marketplace section full of all things real estate. Best of all, it's free.

http://www.revestor.com/home
While some of the numbers may be wonky, this website shows you the highest returns for the properties currently for sale.

https://www.rentometer.com/
Helps price out rent ranges for your investment property.

http://www.homewyse.com/
This website gives you ballpark estimates on renovation/construction projects. Very handy for fix and flip properties outside of your local area as you do search based on the zipcode.

http://www.homepath.com/investors.html
While their inventory might be limited, I highly recommend Fannie Mae's Homepath Financing for Investors. The down payment requirements are lower, fees are less. Although the financing is limited to Fannie Mae owned (REO) properties, as an investor starting out, who may be low on cash/doesn't want to put down too much, this financing presents the best option.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66967...Spare_Time
Despite it's gimmicky title and an outdated publication date, this is the one book that I will recommend as a must read. William Nickerson's strategies/advice is timeless. A used copy of the original first edition retails for 50-100+ on Ebay, Amazon. I got mines for $35 from a local book sale.

While these links not comprehensive, they are good starting point for someone who is starting out or just wants to learn about Real Estate Investing. I definitely encourage you to add other good links to this thread.

As for me, I can offer Boston/New England based information on RE investing, so feel free to reach out.

Post: #2

(02-19-2014 09:31 PM)BostonBMW Wrote:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66967...Spare_Time
Despite it's gimmicky title and an outdated publication date, this is the one book that I will recommend as a must read. William Nickerson's strategies/advice is timeless. A used copy of the original first edition retails for 50-100+ on Ebay, Amazon. I got mines for $35 from a local book sale.

Yep, good read "borrowed" my dad's copy.

Post: #3

(02-19-2014 09:34 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

(02-19-2014 09:31 PM)BostonBMW Wrote:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66967...Spare_Time
Despite it's gimmicky title and an outdated publication date, this is the one book that I will recommend as a must read. William Nickerson's strategies/advice is timeless. A used copy of the original first edition retails for 50-100+ on Ebay, Amazon. I got mines for $35 from a local book sale.

Yep, good read "borrowed" my dad's copy.

The way that the book broke down investing, really demystified RE investing.

Smart move.

Post: #4

Just wanted to second the bigger pockets recommendation -- I have listened to a great number of their podcasts and learned a lot of stuff which has greatly helped me in real estate, and has also contributed to my greater business knowledge.

Post: #5

I've heard this guy's book are pretty good. He has also a real estate guru rating system.

http://www.johntreed.com/

This is by far the best thread on real estate I've ever read.

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/30/bus...ing-99351/

Post: #6

(02-20-2014 10:30 AM)renotime Wrote:  I've heard this guy's book are pretty good. He has also a real estate guru rating system.

http://www.johntreed.com/

This is by far the best thread on real estate I've ever read.

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/30/bus...ing-99351/

Good stuff.

I am familiar with John T Reed's website, however never read any of his books, so I can not verify the veracity of the content. I will say this: Run far, far away from any and all gurus who are charging you to "learn" real estate. Anyone who is self motivated can find enough free resources to learn about RE. If you are going to spend any money, spend it on the RE that you will buy!

That thread has a solid breakdown of investing.

Post: #7

There are so many ways to make (and lose money) in RE that its worth the time to assess your resources, risk tolerance, and goals. Otherwise you'll get pulled in a million different directions. Flipping, wholesale, nnn, value-add properties, buying hud homes, single family home blocks, mobile homes, vacation rentals, storage facilities and apt buildings all require different resources and experience levels.

Your age and exit strategy is also key. A 25 year old with 20k to invest who doesn't mind getting his hands dirty rehabbing a property is going to look at different properties than a 55 year old with 500k to invest who just wants cash flow

The biggerpockets podcasts mentioned earlier are a good breakdown of the different types of investing. I'd recommend those over any guru's course and seminar BS. If you do want that stuff, get an invitation to thevault.