Editors Reads Verdict
A straightforward, no-nonsense introduction to commercial and residential real estate investing from a BiggerPockets contributor. McElroy's focus on finding undervalued assets and managing them for long-term cash flow makes this one of the most practical beginner guides available.
What We Loved
- Exceptionally clear on deal analysis — how to spot properties others undervalue
- Covers both buying and property management, not just acquisition
- Written in plain language without financial jargon
Minor Drawbacks
- Relatively short — readers wanting deeper detail should follow up with Turner or Keller
- US market focus throughout
Key Takeaways
- → Real estate profits are made at purchase — buy below market value to create instant equity
- → Property management is the deciding factor between a good deal and a bad one
- → Due diligence on income and expenses is non-negotiable before any offer
| Author | Ken McElroy |
|---|---|
| Publisher | RDA Press |
| Pages | 196 |
| Published | January 1, 2013 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Real Estate, Investing, Non-Fiction |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Best For | Beginner and intermediate real estate investors wanting a clear, practical framework for evaluating and managing investment properties. |
The ABCs of Real Estate Investing by Ken McElroy is one of the most widely recommended starting points for new real estate investors — concise, practical, and focused on the specific skills most beginners lack: identifying undervalued properties and understanding how to manage them for consistent cash flow.
McElroy, who has managed thousands of units across the US and is associated with the BiggerPockets community and Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad advisors network, writes with the authority of someone who has executed the strategies he describes. The book covers market selection, property analysis, the due diligence process, financing, and the fundamentals of property management.
The focus on “hidden profits” — the income potential in poorly managed or undervalued properties — is the book’s distinctive contribution. Most beginners focus on acquisition; McElroy focuses equally on what happens after.
At under 200 pages, it pairs naturally with more comprehensive guides like The Book on Rental Property Investing or The Millionaire Real Estate Investor for readers who want to go deeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "The ABCs of Real Estate Investing" about?
Ken McElroy's practical guide to finding, analysing, and profiting from real estate investments — with a focus on the hidden profits most investors overlook in deal analysis.
Who should read "The ABCs of Real Estate Investing"?
Beginner and intermediate real estate investors wanting a clear, practical framework for evaluating and managing investment properties.
What are the key takeaways from "The ABCs of Real Estate Investing"?
Real estate profits are made at purchase — buy below market value to create instant equity Property management is the deciding factor between a good deal and a bad one Due diligence on income and expenses is non-negotiable before any offer
Is "The ABCs of Real Estate Investing" worth reading?
A straightforward, no-nonsense introduction to commercial and residential real estate investing from a BiggerPockets contributor. McElroy's focus on finding undervalued assets and managing them for long-term cash flow makes this one of the most practical beginner guides available.
Ready to Read The ABCs of Real Estate Investing?
Check the current price on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon (paid link)Prices and availability are subject to change. See Amazon for current price.
Review last updated: