The internet is rich with tools for real estate investors.  These are the 6 websites I recommend as essentials for your real estate investing business.   1)    Listings and local information websites – Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com and similar websites are invaluable resources not only of currently available listings, but local information on schools and services, sales of comparables, and statistical data.  I use Zillow most often as it has readily accessible statistics and community information for each property listed. 2)    The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is still an essential for a complete look at the available listings.  MLS is a Read more…

The basic principal behind finding great real estate investing partners: BE the partner you hope to have. You need business partners to make it in real estate investing – not just good business partners, but great business partners.   Bring to the table not just your skills or money, but your personal integrity and your commitment to your partners and to the project. As others observe you living these qualities, as they see your self-confidence, people who also live up to these high ideals will be more interested in working in real estate investment partnerships with you.   How do Read more…

  Robert Kiyosaki has written two books I include on my essential reading list.  I reviewed “Rich Dad Poor Dad” in an earlier blog post.  “The Cashflow Quadrant” is Robert Kiyosaki’s second published book in the “Rich Dad” brand, and it is another thought-provoking read that goes beyond investing advice to changing the way you see yourself, your life, your purpose for living.   Is your life about working a job for an employer, in return for a wage or salary?  Most people – 95% of the population – are in this situation.  They put away what they can to Read more…

Putting your investment money to work generating the highest possible real estate ROI (Return On Investment) is what it’s all about.  Are you happy with the ROI on your last three projects?  I hope not – we can always look for ways to improve and do better!  What’s the best way to improve your ROI and enjoy more money from your real estate investment dollar?   Your most important tool, your most valuable resource and asset … is YOU!  You can’t always control market factors, partners, buyers, sellers, and all the random events that make real estate projects so interesting Read more…

If you’ve been thinking of jumping in but haven’t quite made the decision, I have 4 factors for you to consider as to the advantages of real estate investing.   1)    Tax advantages – Several deductions are available for investors in rental properties that make opportunities even more attractive. Depreciation on the property value.  This is not just on the mortgage value, but on the value of the property itself.  Interest on the mortgage loan – and also on credit cards used for purchases of goods and services for the property. c.    Repair and rehab costs. Travel – Both local Read more…

Are you ready to start your own real estate investing career?  Looking for a real estate investing program that can give you a solid beginning?  Many choices are available from people who are more than ready to take your money – so how do you know what you will be getting in return?  As someone new to the field, what are the top 5 questions you should ask to help you sort the wheat from the chaff?   1)    Are they in the market now?  Look for someone who has broad real estate experience, who has done the things they Read more…

“Analysis-paralysis” is an old term that still applies to many who hesitate – is today exactly, precisely the right time to buy?  Is this property so perfect in every respect that I can safely move on it, or should I wait for an even more perfect property?  Will I know more tomorrow that could change my decision?  Have I been correct in all my calculations, forecasts and research?  Is it really, truly the time to buy into real estate investing?   In a word:  YES!    Why do I say that?  My 13+ years and 3,000+ properties have taught me Read more…

Internet innovations have benefitted real estate investors enormously, saving cost, time and streamlining the business. Here are several internet tools that will make your business more effective and efficient.    Listing service websites serve a basic industry purpose – to compile all the listings of property currently for sale, as well as provide information on property sale prices, time on the market, canceled listings, recent sold property and more.  A major change brought by the internet to real estate investors is broad access to property information that used to be hidden from all but licensed agents and brokers.   The Read more…

Partnership-building starts with this basic principal: BE the partner you hope to have.Real estate partnerships combine different strengths and skills to get a project done.  Partnerships match money needing a project guide with someone who can complete a project.  It is critical to find and establish strong connections with the people who can invest capital and provide services, and the key to attracting their attention starts with your own qualities and self-confidence.   Attracting the right business partners is very simple… always do what you say and say what you mean. How do you do this in a way that Read more…

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” is the book that first changed the way I used to think about my goals in life and how I might achieve them.  Robert Kiyosaki’s book has been recognized by PBS and Oprah Winfrey, among others.  In fact it is the best selling finance book of all time! Kiyosaki’s ideas have gained traction even with parts of the public awareness that aren’t entirely familiar with the book.  What is the big takeaway that has influenced so many people?   Kiyosaki points out abehavior that isvery different between families that spring from generations ofwealth,the Rich Dad, and Read more…