
Rental property books are a timeless way to learn about the complex yet rewarding world of rental real estate investing. Books can vary from physical paperbacks, to electronic versions, and even audiobooks. The options of books available to rental property investors is extremely vast, and a well-chosen book can offer valuable insights, strategies, and practical advice, guiding investors in the right direction.
Search Rental Real Estate
Try searching our site for hundreds of rental property topics. We cover everything from landlord topics, building products, market data, and more.
Top 10 Rental Property Books
The top rental property books are written by industry leaders and experts who have years of experience and knowledge to share. These books often stand out for their comprehensive coverage of key topics such as investment strategies, tax planning, and tenant management. Below we take a look at the top-rated books for anyone serious about mastering rental real estate.
1. The Book on Rental Property Investing
Who’s it For
Beginning, Intermediate
Author
Brandon Turner
Why We Like it
This book does a great job at explaining complex topics in detail, while keeping it simple enough for novice investors to understand.
2. Rich Dad Poor Dad
Who’s it For
Beginning
Author
Robert T. Kiyosaki
Why We Like it
A timeless and foundational book to get started on understanding the concept of money, wealth, and investing in assets.
3. Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat
Who’s it For
Beginning, Intermediate
Author
David Greene
Why We Like it
This book expertly explains the popular BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) process with many practical easy to understand steps.
4. The Multifamily Millionaire, Volume I
Who’s it For
Beginning
Author
Brandon Turner, Brian Murray
Why We Like it
This book is a great easy-to-digest resource that shares the exact, step-by-step blueprint to get started with small multifamily real estate investing.
5. The ABCs of Real Estate Investing
Who’s it For
Beginning, Intermediate
Author
Ken McElroy
Why We Like it
A very practical book that delivers useful advice on buy and hold real estate investing with experienced tips on best property management practices.
6. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor
Who’s it For
Beginning, Intermediate
Author
Gary Keller
Why We Like it
Written by the founder of Keller Williams, this book is a classic guide on the foundations of building wealth through real estate, with some top real estate agent advice sprinkled in.
7. Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth
Who’s it For
Beginning, Intermediate
Author
Avery Carl
Why We Like it
If you are looking to get into the vacation rental property business, then this book is a top resource to understand everything from initial analysis to management.
8. Crushing It in Apartments and Commercial Real Estate
Who’s it For
Intermediate, Advanced
Author
Brian Murray
Why We Like it
This book is an ultimate beginners resource for those looking to break into commercial real estate and commercial apartment investing.
9. Mastering the Art of Commercial Real Estate Investing
Who’s it For
Intermediate, Advanced
Author
Doug Marshall, CCIM
Why We Like it
This book delivers great information on the often complex processes of investing in commercial real estate.
10. Build a Rental Property Empire
Who’s it For
Beginner, Intermediate
Author
Mark Ferguson
Why We Like it
A clear and actionable resource based on first hand experience for those starting and growing a rental property business.
The #1 Rental Property Newsletter
Once a month, we send out an exclusive Rental Property Market Update with top stories, current mortgage rates, building products, and more. No spam and unsubscribe anytime.

Basics of Rental Real Estate Books
Rental real estate books are specialized publications that focus on the various aspects of owning, managing, and investing in rental properties. These books cover a broad range of topics, from the fundamentals of property investment and management to advanced strategies for maximizing rental income and asset value. Unlike articles or blog posts, books offer a comprehensive look at their subject matter, allowing for a nuanced understanding that can be crucial for making informed investment decisions. The reliability of books as an educational resource is often attributed to the expertise of the authors, who are usually seasoned professionals in the field, as well as the depth and thoroughness with which topics are explored.
Categories of Rental Property Books
Beginner’s Guides
These books serve as entry points for those new to rental real estate, offering foundational knowledge on the industry’s basics. They simplify complex terminologies, introduce essential processes, and provide readers with a roadmap to start their investment journey. Such guides are tailored to ensure that newcomers avoid common pitfalls and understand the primary principles of rental property investment.
Intermediate Books
Targeted at those with a foundational understanding, these books delve into more nuanced areas of rental real estate. They might explore strategies for scaling a portfolio, delve into different property types, or discuss advanced property management techniques. Readers can expect to refine their strategies and gain insights that will aid in optimizing their investment approach.
Expert-level Reads
These are written for seasoned investors looking to push the boundaries of their rental property education. They tackle intricate topics such as complex financing structures, legal considerations, and leveraging market cycles. Ideal for those who already have a substantial property portfolio, expert-level books challenge conventional wisdom and introduce pioneering strategies in the field.
Case Studies & Real-life Narratives
This category delves into the lived experiences of real estate professionals, offering readers a glimpse into the successes and failures of others. Through detailed accounts of specific investment scenarios, readers can derive actionable insights and lessons. These narratives, often rich in personal anecdotes, offer both educational value and inspiration, showing the practical applications and real-world implications of theoretical knowledge.
Pros and Cons of Rental Property Books
Pros of Books
- Comprehensive Coverage: Books provide a detailed exploration of rental property topics, giving readers an in-depth understanding often not achievable through shorter formats like articles or videos.
- Expertise of Authors: Many rental property books are penned by seasoned professionals or experts in the field, lending a high level of credibility and authority to the information presented.
- Self-Paced Learning: Books allow readers to digest information at their own pace, offering the flexibility to revisit concepts, take notes, and fully comprehend complex topics.
Cons of Books
- Information Overload: The comprehensive nature of books can be overwhelming for beginners who may find it challenging to differentiate between immediately actionable information and advanced strategies.
- Possibility of Outdated Information: The real estate market is dynamic, and regulations can change; some books may contain information that’s outdated or no longer applicable.
- Lack of Interactive Learning: Unlike rental property courses or workshops, books don’t provide an interactive platform for questions or real-time clarification, which may hinder the learning process for some individuals.

Author
My name is Ryan – I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.