Aug
25
Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur: What It Takes to Win in High-Stakes Commercial Real Estate (Paperback)
By
ReviewOne of Robert Bruss’Top 10 Real Estate Books of 2006 “This book’s theme is ‘add value’ to real estate, whether you invest in raw land, houses, run-down factory buildings with rezoning potential, or fixer-upper apartments and offices. The self-deprecating author shares his mistakes and his successes, along with his advice to invest with as little of your own cash as possible so profits can be maximized.” (Bruss, Robert J. San Francisco Chronicle. )
A front row seat (more…)
13 Comments
August 25th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I have over 100 RE books in my library and I would rank this in the top 5. It’s very different from most books you will read – how many authors admit to, and document their mistakes? I have a Master’s in RE, done some development projects and I still learned alot from this book.
Note: It’s not a book for a pure beginner. For them I recommend one of the non-no money down books to learn the basics of LTV, cap rates, etc. Then study this book over and over.
Doing that will save you years in your real estate education. It’s cost me over $100,000 in life “lessons” to learn what you will learn in this book.
Thanks Mr Randel.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:28 am
It would appear as though I am in the minority as the previous reviews all seem to tout this book as the go-to guide for for anyone with an interest in real estate investing. I have my doubts that Randel’s sophisticated guide to making money in the real estate business will leave any serious Investor scratching his head asking “Why didn’t I think of that?” For someone who is so internationally acclaimed I found it odd that in my 34+ years in the real estate business I have never once heard of him, but then I have never lectured at Harvard either.
While I have no doubt there are a select few that may be able to glean some useful information from Randel’s book, I’m afraid the “Priceless Lessons” that the book description provides are little more than common sense. Spend the extra 2 cents and pick up a copy of Real Estate Investing for Dummies.
August 26th, 2009 at 4:51 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
A blueprint for real estate investors
This book is wonderful for anyone interested in real estate investing, lots of common sense combined with nuts and bolts background on the business.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:45 am
James Randel shares great concepts that were acquired over 25 years of deal making that are well worth anyone’s time who has any interest in real estate. I’ve been on Wall St. for 11 years and doing real estate deals for 6 and must say I agree with 100% of what is in this book. He gives you the play by play on a few multi million dollar deals that have worked out well and surprisingly enough on some that have not. A few great lines:
“Never believe your own press clippings”
“Never take anything for granted”
He lists 13 “Success Skills” and says, “I do not believe success is an accident” The 1st skill is PASSION, where he says, “A small difference in energy can sometimes be the difference between success and failure.”
Next is “Work Ethic” I love this one, “If you’re not willing to work hard at the real estate game, do not come out of the dugout.”
Also key for people to understand is how NOI (Net Operating Income) affects the price of a property, and how improvements in the net can boost the price of a property even if nothing else has changed.
Interestingly he talks about South Florida where my partner and I have also had tremendous success. He’s hot on “North Beach” which is just north of South Beach in Miami. We are a bit further North in Hollywood Beach, but none the less our premise is the same as his; the wave of growth is heading north.
By Kevin Kingston author of, A 20,000% Gain in Real Estate
My Blog bloglines.com/blog/KevinKingston
August 26th, 2009 at 9:36 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice reading
I didn’t finish it yet, but I already can say it is a very nice reading for those who works in the real state business.
August 26th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful read
This is simply a great book from start to finish. I highly recommend it.
The book is geared toward beginning and intermediate investors, but it’s an easy read.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Create returns worthy of an entrepreneur.
Here is a commercial real estate investment book that doesn’t require a degree in finance to keep up with.
August 26th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST READ for all real estate investors!!
Jim Randel shares his 30+ years of real estate experience in this outstanding book. You might not know that he leased Bed, Bath and Beyond space in one of his buildings and they…
August 27th, 2009 at 12:01 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Confessions of a Commercial Real Estate Entrepeneur
This book is absolutely excellent. Jim’s writing is straightforward and easy to understand even when he is discussing fairly complex ideas.
August 27th, 2009 at 4:51 am
4.0 out of 5 stars
Inspration and Insightful
Finally a book for someone in the NE to read and understand NE real estate numbers, both insightful and inspirational.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:08 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kick Start Your Brain
If you are looking for a step by step buy a house, rehab it, and get rich, please find another book.
August 27th, 2009 at 11:30 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
This is the best commercial real estate primer I have ever read. I run a commercial real estate brokerage and this is required reading for all of my agents. I highly recommend it.
August 27th, 2009 at 11:34 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Success Exemplified!
Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur: What It Takes to Win in High-Stakes Commercial Real Estate At the urging of a friend, I attended one of Mr.