Whether you’re just dipping your toes into real estate investing or you’ve been in the trenches for years, continually educating yourself is one of the smartest things you can do. The landscape of real estate — from financing strategies to market psychology, operations, and deal structuring — is constantly evolving. While experience is an unbeatable teacher, the right books and podcasts can accelerate your knowledge and sharpen your instincts.
Here’s a curated list of must-read books and top podcasts that will help you make smarter decisions, build confidence, and grow your real estate portfolio with purpose.
📚 Must-Read Books for Real Estate Investors
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki
Often one of the first books aspiring investors encounter, Rich Dad Poor Dad reframes how we think about money, assets, and liabilities. Kiyosaki’s storytelling style makes complex financial principles accessible — especially the idea that passive income (like rent) is the pathway to financial freedom. Though not a deep dive into real estate, its mindset foundation makes it a staple for investors of all levels.
🧠 Key takeaway: The way you think about money influences the deals you pursue — mindset matters.
2. The Millionaire Real Estate Investor – Gary Keller
Gary Keller and the team at Keller Williams share insights from interviews with over 100 millionaire investors. This book breaks down the key models and practices that separate successful investors from the rest. It covers goal setting, financial models, risk management, and even the psychology of investing.
📌 Best for: Investors who want a strategic framework rather than just anecdotes.
3. The Book on Rental Property Investing – Brandon Turner
Brandon Turner, co-host of the BiggerPockets Podcast, provides a comprehensive guide to buying, managing, and profiting from rental properties. His writing is practical and grounded in real market examples — perfect for beginners and mid-level investors.
💡 Why it matters: Rental property buses are the backbone of generational wealth for many — and Turner teaches you how to ride them well.
4. The ABCs of Real Estate Investing – Ken McElroy
Ken McElroy blends storytelling with actionable advice on how to find deals, analyze markets, negotiate with sellers, and manage property. His holistic approach spans everything from single-family homes to multifamily units and commercial deals.
🔥 Highlight: The book breaks down complex deal analysis into digestible steps — ideal for anyone serious about scaling.
5. Investing in Apartment Buildings – Matthew A. Martinez
For those ready to graduate to larger assets, this book offers an approachable look at multifamily investing. Martinez goes beyond theory and teaches tactical strategies for raising capital, underwriting properties, and working with sophisticated partners.
🏢 Focus: Scaling up — think bigger than duplexes and four-plexes.
🎧 Top Podcasts to Fuel Your Real Estate Journey
1. BiggerPockets Podcast
Possibly the most influential real estate podcast today, BiggerPockets hosts interviews with successful investors, lenders, brokers, and entrepreneurs. Episodes span from beginner topics (“How to buy your first rental”) to advanced strategies (“1031 exchanges,” “syndications,” and “complex financing structures”).
💬 Why listen: Every episode delivers real stories, practical tips, and candid lessons — no fluff.
2. The Real Estate Guys Radio Show
Running for over two decades, this podcast blends market analysis with timeless investing principles. It’s especially strong on macro trends, tax planning, and international investing. The hosts’ chemistry makes complex topics entertaining and digestible.
📈 Good for: Investors who want to understand broader economic forces shaping real estate.
3. Old Dawg’s REI Network
This show focuses on the needs and opportunities for investors who are 50+. It’s a great complement to more technical podcasts because it tackles retirement, legacy planning, and how to safely grow income streams through real estate.
🌟 Best fit: Mid-career investors planning for wealth longevity.
4. Real Wealth Show – Kathy Fettke
Host Kathy Fettke breaks down market data, demographic trends, and investment models in a way that’s easy to follow — even for newer investors. Episodes often explore specific cities, asset classes, and risk evaluation strategies.
📊 Why it’s worth your time: Data-driven insights you can actually apply to your own market analysis.
🌱 How to Use These Resources
Start with one book and one podcast. Trying to do everything at once can overwhelm — consistency beats quantity.
- Pair a book with deep educational value (like The Millionaire Real Estate Investor) with a podcast that feeds weekly motivation and current trends (like BiggerPockets).
- Take notes and create a simple action plan after finishing each book or podcast series.
- Apply one new principle every month — whether it’s evaluating deals differently, tracking better financial metrics, or refining negotiation tactics.
Final Thought
Real estate investing is a journey, not a destination. And while every investor walks a unique path, the ones who win are the ones who learn relentlessly, adapt consistently, and build knowledge before capital. These books and podcasts will help you do exactly that — expand your mind, sharpen your strategy, and grow your investment confidence.
Looking to sell your home or vacant land? Contact WI Home Buyers at 920-360-1252!