The 7 best rental property investing books that help you find the best deals, the right market for investing, manage properties.
1. The Book on Rental Property Investing – by Brandon Turner
The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner is one of the most widely respected and bestselling guides in the real estate investing world. First published in October 2015, this book has become a go-to resource for both beginners and seasoned investors looking to build long-term wealth through rental properties. With an impressive 4.7-star rating on Amazon and over 20,000 reviews, it stands out as a trusted and highly recommended read. Turner, a co-host of the BiggerPockets Podcast, offers a practical and easy-to-follow blueprint for finding, financing, and managing rental properties. Readers love the clarity of the explanations, the real-life examples, and the strategies designed for creating consistent cash flow. Often called a “real estate bible” for buy-and-hold investors, this book is perfect for anyone serious about building a profitable rental portfolio.
2. Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat (BRRRR) – by David M. Greene
Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat by David M. Greene breaks down the powerful BRRRR strategy, which has helped thousands of investors scale up their rental property businesses with limited starting capital. Published in June 2019, this book has a 4.7-star rating and is widely praised for making a complex investment process easy to understand and apply. Greene — a successful investor, real estate agent, and podcast co-host — teaches how to buy undervalued properties, rehab them to add value, rent them out for stable income, refinance to pull out capital, and repeat the process. Readers appreciate the real-world case studies, checklists, and tips for avoiding costly mistakes. It’s ideal for investors who want to scale quickly and strategically, though it assumes access to solid financing options. If you’re ready to grow a portfolio with smart systems, this book is a practical and motivational guide.
3. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor – by Gary Keller, Dave Jenks & Jay Papasan
The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller, along with Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan, offers an inspiring and informative look into the habits, strategies, and thought processes of over 100 successful real estate investors. First published in 2005, this timeless classic has a 4.6-star rating and continues to influence investors worldwide. Rather than focusing on one method, it dives deep into how wealthy investors build portfolios, make smart deals, and stay financially disciplined. It’s especially strong on mindset, teaching readers how to think like a millionaire investor, develop criteria for evaluating deals, and build wealth with long-term planning. Readers find the book highly motivational and packed with insights, though it leans more on strategy than step-by-step how-to. If you’re serious about thinking big and building a system-driven real estate business, this book is essential reading.
4. Landlording on Autopilot – by Mike Butler
Landlording on Autopilot by Mike Butler is a practical, no-nonsense guide to managing rental properties with less stress and more efficiency. The updated edition, released in August 2016, is well-reviewed with a 4.5-star average and is especially popular with self-managing landlords. Butler, a former police officer turned full-time investor, shares real-world systems for screening tenants, collecting rent automatically, handling repairs, and communicating effectively — all with the goal of putting your rental business on “autopilot.” Readers praise the hands-on tools, forms, and techniques that save time and reduce costly mistakes. While some advice is U.S.-centric, many of the principles are universal. If you’re tired of dealing with tenant headaches and want to systematize your property management, this book is a must-have resource.
5. Build a Rental Property Empire – by Mark Ferguson
Build a Rental Property Empire by Mark Ferguson is a straight-talking guide aimed at helping investors find, finance, and manage rental properties the right way. First published in March 2016, this book holds a 4.6-star rating and is often praised for its clear structure and real-life examples. Ferguson, a long-time investor and real estate agent, walks readers through everything from analyzing deals to rehabbing, hiring property managers, and handling tenant issues. The book is ideal for investors who want to scale from one or two rentals into a full-fledged portfolio. It also includes insight into using leverage, handling financing, and balancing risk. Readers love the honest approach and the depth of practical knowledge. If you’re ready to treat real estate investing like a serious business, this is the book to start with.
6. The ABCs of Buying Rental Property – by Ken McElroy
The ABCs of Buying Rental Property by Ken McElroy is a beginner-friendly, motivational guide to real estate investing with a focus on achieving financial freedom. The latest edition, updated in 2018, continues to receive high praise with a 4.5-star average rating. McElroy, a Rich Dad advisor and experienced investor, simplifies complex topics like market analysis, financing, and cash flow management into easy-to-understand lessons. The book provides readers with a clear roadmap to success, emphasizing the importance of team-building and due diligence. Many readers say it gave them the confidence to buy their first rental property. While it’s best for beginners, even experienced investors will benefit from its strategic planning insights. If you’re looking for a friendly yet focused introduction to rental property investing, this book is a solid starting point.
7. First-Time Landlord – by Janet Portman
First-Time Landlord by Janet Portman is an excellent guide for individuals renting out their first property — especially a single-family home. First released in 2017 (updated edition), the book enjoys a 4.4-star rating and is well-liked for its detailed yet accessible content. Portman, a legal expert, covers everything from screening tenants and signing leases to handling disputes, repairs, and rent collection. Unlike many investment books that focus on growth and scaling, this one zeros in on the responsibilities and legal obligations of being a landlord. Readers appreciate the included checklists, legal tips, and real-world advice for avoiding trouble. It’s ideal for small-scale landlords or anyone renting out a spare home or inherited property. If you’re nervous about managing your first tenant, this book will give you the tools and confidence you need.