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What 25 Top Investors Wish They Knew Before Their First Deal (And How You Can Learn From Their Mistakes)

The Brutal Reality of Real Estate

Based on an analysis of over 500 deals, real estate can be challenging for those who are unprepared and rewarding for those who are knowledgeable.

The Real Book of Real Estate: Real Experts. Real Stories. Real Life. (edited by Robert Kiyosaki) is different from every other “get rich” book because:

• It features 25 actual investors (not gurus)
• Reveals specific mistakes that cost millions
• Focuses on commercial/multifamily strategies that work in any market

Here’s what the book actually teaches about the 3 biggest investor pain points:

1#“I Don’t Know What Makes a Good Deal”

What Most Beginners Get Wrong:

• Chasing “cheap” properties (that are money pits)
• Ignoring key metrics like cap rates and NOI
• Underestimating hidden costs (taxes, maintenance, vacancies)

The Book’s Solution:

✅ The “1% Rule” Test (Does monthly rent cover 1% of purchase price?)
✅ Due Diligence Checklists (Including sewer scopes and lien searches)
✅ Case Study: Investor Frank McKinney almost lost $2M on a luxury flip because he skipped a soil test (now he checks everything)

#2: “I Don’t Have Millions to Invest”

The Myth:

You need huge cash reserves or perfect credit.

The Book’s Reality:

Commercial real estate (5+ units) actually has better financing options than residential:

• Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac loans (non-recourse, 75-80% LTV)
• Syndication (Pool funds with other investors)
• Seller Carry-Backs (Where the owner becomes your bank)

Key Quote:
“The best deal I ever did was 100% financed—I used a private lender and repaid them from cash flow.”
— Ken McElroy (Apartment Investing Expert)

#3: “I’m Terrified of a Market Crash”

What the Book Teaches About Risk:

1. Never Over-Leverage (Keep debt below 65% of asset value)
2. Focus on Cash Flow (Appreciation is a bonus, not the goal)
3. Diversify Asset Types (Apartments, storage, mobile homes)

Recession-Proof Example:
During the 2008 crash, investor Dolf de Roos doubled his portfolio by targeting distressed mobile home parks (people always need affordable housing).

Why This Book is Unique:

• No fluff: 472 pages of tactical advice (financing structures, lease clauses, 1031 exchanges)
• Varied Strategies: From Donald Trump’s skyscrapers to Dave Lindahl’s farm land
• Brutally Honest: 15+ “war stories” about failed deals

 “Want the Blueprint Most Investors Never See?”

This book condenses 5,000+ years of combined experience into one manual.

Get The Real Book of Real Estate Here

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend books I’ve personally vetted.

Final Thought:
Real estate isn’t about luck—it’s about executing proven systems. This book shows you how.

Question for You: Which investing hurdle stresses you most—financing, finding deals, or fear of mistakes? Comment below!

(P.S. Want exact quotes/page references from the book? DM me!)