Rentals Books

I'll admit I picked this because of the title, GOING NOWHERE FASTER. Aren't there times when we all feel that way?

Stan Smith has more problems than you can shake a stick at. One problem is his name - "Stan." Who names their kid Stan? But then his parents aren't exactly your normal, run-of-the-mill parents. They are another one of his problems. His dad is a crazy inventor and his mother is an over 6-foot-tall Amazon vegan who attempts to run an organic food market.

Another sore spot in Stan's life is Prarash, his mother's smelly yoga and meditation partner, who practically lives with them. There's also Chopper, the family dog who produces more "gas" than the oil fields of Kuwait. The only normal one in the family is Stan's little sister, Olivia. She's the one bright spot in his existence.

Stan should be thinking about college, but instead is working a dead-end job at Happy Video. It at least gives him the chance to watch endless videos in an attempt to prepare for what he hopes is a future in writing movie scripts. In the meantime, he is stuck riding his ten-speed, helping out in the family business, and hoping for a chance to date the girl of his dreams, Ellen.

As if Stan doesn't have enough problems, he believes he has a stalker. The victim of high school taunting and bullying, he was threatened by Ellen's ex, Chad Chilton. Now the evidence is mounting and points to Chad as the probable driver of the speeding car that almost ran Stan off the road one dark night, as well as the twisted mind that left a mutilated Barbie doll on Stan's steps. These acts of terror, plus slashed bike tires and vandalism at the Happy Video store, are sending waves of fear through the frustrated Stan.

Sean Beaudoin uses witty dialogue and hilarious descriptions to grab readers and get them cheering for poor Stan. The first person style helps readers understand Stan's above-average intelligence and his passion for movies and scriptwriting. This is definitely one I found difficult to put down once I started reading.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

Going Nowhere Faster
by, Sean Beaudoin

Little, Brown
2007, 300pp
ISBN 0-316-01415

Going Nowhere Faster, by Sean Beaudoin is an excellent book. Its theme is about growing up and finding out who you are. The main character's, Stan, best friend is the most popular kid in his grade. Stan falls in love with a girl who will kiss anyone, any where. She just happens to kiss Stan's best friend, while she is on a date with Stan. These are only a few of the many problems that Stan run's into, while on the journey of growing up.

This is a funny, yet touching book. After you get to know the characters, they are easier to understand, but, despite that, there are still unexpected twists. I think this is a great book, and I highly recommend it.

*ANB*

Going Nowhere Faster
by, Sean Beaudon

Little,Brown
2007, 300p
ISBN 0-316-01415

Going Nowhere Faster, by Sean Beaudon is an excellent book. Its theme is about growing up and finding out who you are. The main character's, Stan, best friend is the most popular kid in his grade. Stan falls in love with a girl who will kiss anyone, any where. She just happens to kiss Stan's best friend, while she is on a date with Stan. These are only a few of the many problems that Stan run's into, while on the journey of growing up.

This is a funny, yet touching book. After you get to know the characters, they are easier to understand, but, despite that, there are still unexpected twists. I think this is a great book, and I highly recommend it.


A.N.B.

stan smith makes weird lists, has a weird house, a weird mom and a weird dad. it's no wonder stan himself is weird. i look up to stan's mom and wish i could be her with all of her convictions.
the characters in this book are well written from the main to the peripheral and you can't help but love them.
the mystery element in this book is shockingly funny. it makes fun of stereotypes while being a stereotype. i laughed out loud and i'll be recommending it to everyone.

1) Stan is hilarious and truly going nowhere faster than anyone I know.
2) Stan's precise descriptions of Ellen make her oh so edible.
3) It's amazing how in touch Beaudoin is with his adolescence.
4) Does there really need to be a 4 when the next step is buying this book?

If you are just starting out and want a single source to learn what you need know from start to finish, get this book - plain and simple.

Have you noticed how many "reality" TV shows on cable are about buying, selling, renovating, or flipping homes? Whether life is imitating art, or vice versa, the popularity of some form of real estate investing in the U.S. seems to be very apparent. That's in part why Teri Clark's new book, The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property, is so timely and useful. Whether you are a first-time investor or even have a few rental properties under your belt, you will benefit from the guidance presented in this book.

Even when the market is considered soft and the economy unsettled, Clark maintains that "real estate is one of the few investments that offers a secure and steady return on investment (ROI) even in times of uncertainty." In her very readable, accessible new book, Clark provides the necessary tools to help the average person evaluate and chose investment properties perhaps as an alternative to putting your money into the stock market. She also outlines the drawbacks as well as the benefits of real estate, so any potential investor should of course proceed with caution.

The book provides plain-language explanations of what actually is involved in being a landlord, how to identify appropriate properties, determining positive or negative cash flow, loan options, managing tenants, rehabbing properties, navigating tax and housing law, and other key issues. The book also contains many real-world case studies, investor insights, and bullet points to put all the material in context. There is even a section in the book on using a self-directed IRA as a vehicle for buying real estate. (While the material on using the Internet for real estate investing does seem to be stating the obvious, an author never can tell the full extent of the reader's knowledge in this area.) Additional resources include a detailed glossary of real estate terminology and sample forms and contracts.

In general, by the time you finish the book, you will have the necessary background to start investing in rental properties, whether your goal is additional income, building equity, accumulating a retirement nest egg, or all of the above. However, as Clark points out, you must work closely with your team (including tax accountant, real estate lawyer, lenders, and other professionals) before taking the leap. While Clark suggests that it is "always" the right time to buy, remember, due diligence is crucial as there are many variables in play. As the author explains, "If you know what you want out of a rental property, have your finances in order, have a network in place, and have done your research, you are ready to begin."

Do you really have what it takes to be a landlord if not an up-and-coming land baron? Read this book and find out!

As concerns about the housing market rise, The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property comes at the most fitting time. The book brilliantly takes the elusive, impossible quality away from the idea of purchasing rental property. The soft economy has many running for the hills but Teri. B. Clark uses case studies, experts and first hand accounts to show that real estate is still one of the most effective paths to wealth.

It is not, however, instant or easy money; According to the investors in her book, there's a lot to learn and a lot to do but the rewards are well worth it. The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property will explain how to use others' money to purchase property, what makes a property worth investing in, how to weigh the risks, how to invest through a self-directed IRA, how to develop your own real estate team and how to find quality tenants.

It also breaks down important need-to-know legislative acts that ensure your fairness to renters. Clark takes you by the hand, explaining property terms and walks you through the process, sorting out your loan options. Beginning and advanced investors can learn the proper way to make money now and later with their real estate property. In conclusion, the public needs this book.

If you're ready to begin investing in your first rental property, or you represent a general lending library catering to new investors and real estate acquirers, then The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property is an essential pick. The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property covers the basics of property selection, acquisition, marketing, housing regulations, taxes, and more. The first (and best) place to prepare for real estate investment.

The Complete Guide to Your First Rental Property by Teri B. Clark is a truthful account of what owning rental property will entail. It is a good resource for anyone thinking about becoming a landlord for the first time. It is useful for current rental property owners, as it contains information on applicable taxes and laws. It provides links to all 50 state laws and document templates for easy use and reference. Within the book, the author explains the different types of real estate investments, types of landlord/tenant situations, how to choose an appropriate rental property, and different lending options. This book is an easy read and should be part of every would-be or current homeowner/rental property owner's library. In addition, I believe it would prove useful to retirees since it explains how to use real estate for retirement investment purposes.

It seems like most of the books/info published out there is targeting "nice" single family homes and creative financing techniques. What most people don't realize is that smart investors salivate over the the investment opportunities in low end housing. Reason being is that by virtue of being lower priced they can be paid off sooner and the owner can then point the cash flow toward other low end investments that can be paid off even quicker with the addition of the cash flow of the recently paid off property. These end up being small "annuities", as Bryan beautifully describes them, that are so highly valued in today's pension-less, menaced social security system world.

So instead of learning how to find fancy financing and distressed owners, I would say that learning how to manage lower end housing and it's inherent intricacies would be a person's more efficient and likely path to acquiring wealth in real estate.

This book, and anything published by Bryan, in my opinion, is a must read.

I'll keep this short. Low-end house investments aren't for everyone. However, this book hit me like a Mack Truck...I couldn't put it down and have referred many friends to this excellent work. I have read well over 100 real estate investment courses and books in the last 12 years of my life and NONE (even those outrageously priced $800 courses) spoke to me like this $40 gem. Thank you Bryan for sharing your experiences and wisdom with us and doing it at a bargain price. My very highest recommendation to all (even though I don't want any more competition in this arena) LOL.

This is the only review I've done and even though this book will undoutedly bring in more investors to this low-end niche--I feel I owe a real debt to Bryan for his positive impact on my life.

This is a good book with practical, straight forward, real life information, not pie in the sky, get rich quick promises.

I want to give credit to Bryan Wittenmyer for writing a highly informative piece on low-end housing investments.

However I do not feel that low-end housing is the way to go. These types of properties will appreciate the least, yet they involve the most hassles. You really have to get a good deal to make it worth it and get cash flow.

This is the absolute best book to buy on the subject of buying and rehabbing properties. When reading this book, it feels as though you have a veteran investor with you teaching you what you really need to know. You could buy 20 different real estate books with fancy covers that all basically have the same content or you could buy this one and have the best book on the subject.

I'm a licensed property manager and I like to read at least 1 book each year in my field. I thought this book would be helpful, but for the most part, it was not.

My main complaint is that this book was written by a "writer", not a property manager ... and it shows. The author is just a freelance writer who researched this topic, but you can tell that he/she lacks the real life experience of having been in the business (no matter who endorses the book). This lack of real life experience spills over in many ways including the lack of good forms on the CD. Many property managers can get by without the included forms ... too bad the forms that really are needed are missing.

This book also reads more like a textbook than a practical guide. It's so generic in many places that it doesn't really say anything. And there are even several errors in the book that reflect the author's incompetence. The author even incorrectly says several times that LLC stands for "limited liability corporation" (instead of "company"). This is a common misunderstanding among those getting started in business, but shouldn't be misunderstood by an author claiming authority on a topic.

Overall, this book is too generic in it's information, lacks "real life" information and reads like a textbook that may sound good, but in the end will not be very helpful to most people. I guess the best audience for this book might be someone who is in the process of CONSIDERING owning rental property. But for someone looking for a practical book to help them manage propery, I would look elsewhere.

greetings! I purchased the CD. It had extensive information. I wanted a
program dealing with accounting for just a few properties. It would be
excellent for someone having a lot of properties. I returned the CD
unopened when I realized it was not want I needed. Amazon kindly gave a
refund.

The Rental Property Manager's Toolbox is very well written and a very nearly complete book for new landlords, but not quite. As a new and unwilling landlord this book was a great & definite help in overcoming a very steep learning curve and a great deal of ignorance on my part. But having said that, where's the lease? A number of forms are included but there is no boilerplate lease. Also, on page 152 under credit history no mention is given of any of the numerous websites that one can purportedly get credit information on prospective tenants. I had to take my chances on what I could find out myself and talked to two professional property managers, neither of whom get credit reports either. I had to go to a lawyer software program for 1 or 2 other items as well. A solid 4 star however!

I have a few rental properties that I've managed myself over the years, with some success, but I was looking to do better and acquired Jamaine Burrell's book to get some pointers. Her book, The Rental Property Manager's Toolbox does the trick!

The "Toolbox" has all the advice, tips, forms, and sample letters that one could possibly need to make the transition from an "amateur" rental property manager, like me, to a professional. I can see a number of areas in which I have not taken the best approach in the past (especially regarding unsupervised children) and believe that, following Burrell's advice, I can not only be a more effective manager but make more money too.

The book covers all the bases, including financial and legal issues, property acquisition options, advertising, finding and screening potential tenants, tenant problem and complaint management, and property sale, and also includes a CD with all of the forms discussed in the book. This is a great resource for anyone intending to get into property management or for anyone, like me, who has been managing properties without the benefit of professional advice.

Ms. Burrell does an excellent job of providing an informative yet concise look at the complex business of rental property management. This book is a must read for novice investors as it allows one to enter the business with eyes wide open - aware of pitfalls and precautions that can be taken to protect the investment. Alternatively, there are so many forms, examples, techniques, and tricks for the experienced manager that it is a great read for them as well. Truly a great resource for any RPMS library - or toolbox, as the case may be.

This is a must have for anyone who will be renting a property. I have other properties that I have rented and I wish I had this book before I rented them out!

I will be a first time landlord and have done alot of research online as well as other books and had continued to come up short as far as detailed explanations and suggestions. This book is it! It has literally everything you need and is extremely thorough. I borrowed it from the library and have come here to purchase it. I can't do without out it.

I was very satisfied with this book. It was so comprehensive and easy to read -- even for a non-business-oriented, non-real estate-trained person like me. There are examples, thorough explanations, form examples, and perforated, blank forms.

I think this book is must-have for every landlord or recommended for those thinking of becoming a property mgr. or landlord.

I actually thought I was purchasing the software which would have typed up many of the sections for me - which would have been nice, but I was very impressed with how well organized and informative the book is.

Many items include the actual state laws regarding rental property which is very helpful because many of the websites are not easy to navigate.

Leases & Rental Agreements provides owners of real estate with a quick do-it-yourself handbook for renting out a property, including tear-out legal forms and tips on preparing different types of rental or lease agreements. From making disclosures on hazards to complying with laws covering security deposits and privacy, this provides all the details necessary.

Excellent book, especially for RV newbies like me. The checklists in the appendices were very well thought through, and very helpful. The recommendations are honest and practical. A must-have if you're planning on renting an RV.

A useful guide in helping to consider whether an RV vacation is a good option. In thinking about an RV vacation, we have used this book to consider whether it is in fact the type of get away that will suit our circumstances. Easy to read and covering the main points, it is helping us to consider the most important questions and issues. It is invaluable in this regard.

OK - I didn't read this entire book from cover to cover. It has, after all, some chapters which are pretty specific to narrowly defined groups of RV vacationers. I have read probably 90% of the book and have closely studied the first 100 pages or so (that is the portion dealing with preplanning and is the part of the planning process we are now dealing with). I haven't even glanced at the chapter about what to do at the end of the vacation (that is too far away to think about now) or the one on fly/drive vacations (because that isn't what we plan to do) or "RVing With Pets".

Whether you plan to rent an RV for a 2 month trip to Alaska or for a day at the football game, this is clearly THE BOOK to have. I started out knowing nothing about vacationing in an RV rental. This book has been our constant companion and handbook as we selected the RV to rent, the dealer to rent from and have worked on checklists of things to bring with us. Without a doubt "RV Rentals" has paid for itself at least 20 or 30 times over.

The book is divided into sections which roughly parallel the order of the planning process: basic decisions, preplanning details, living and traveling in an RV, and a section on "Special Considerations". In the appendixes there are tons of forms and worksheets and checklists and even a glossary of RVing terms.

I give the book 5 Stars because it is so thorough I can't imagine that anything of significance has been left out. At first it all seemed a little intimidating, but once you get into it the process is really clear and follows a simple, logical order. I can't think of any way this book could be improved!

This book really helped me plan my RV vacation. For me, the best parts of the book are the pages and pages of check lists and work sheets - I found all the details I needed to plan and enjoy my trip. I think it's the only book on the market explaining how to vacation in a RV rental, but even if there are dozens of others this one has to be the best!! I enjoyed the authors' sense of humor. Clearly the Corbys know what they are talking about and are in love with RVing. You will get a lot out of this book.

We have been thinking of taking a vacation in a Rental RV, but had no idea what it would be like. This book gave us much to think about . . . and will be helpful in making our final yes or no decision. There are a lot of aspects of vacationing in an RV Rental that we had not thought of until this book brought them to our attention. The book more than served it's purpose for our family! Very insightful!

Like A Hole Is To Dig, another Krauss/Sendak collaboration, this book comes as close to perfection as any children's book I know. Full of wonderful almost-poems of a surreal beauty and simplicity that express simple truths and timeless values: sharing, generosity, helping others, coping with disappointments, how dreams (and children) are life-giving forces. All of this wrapped up in a non-saccharine package due to the book's simplicity. We read this book over and over and I never ever tire of it -- have bought it for many children and many adults not only to spread the pleasure but also because I believe you cannot be too old to (re)learn the truths of this text.

As a child in the 1950s, this was my very favorite book, much like a deeply treasured playmate. When I became a father, I looked for it to share with my daughter, but it was way, way out of print. Decades later, I became a father again and found a used paperback copy in Canada. My 2 1/2 year old daughter now loves this book as much as I did almost fifty years ago, and asks for it every night. It is timeless. One of the reasons I think it has lasted so well is that much of the ideas the great Ruth Krauss used for the book came from small children themselves. It also features the early work of Krauss'long-time collaborator who went on to write wonderful books himself, Maurice Sendak. I'm very happy that I'll Be You and You Be Me has now been reissued in hardback. If you are a parent of a child under five, do yourself a favor and buy this book--before it goes out of print again

I just came here from reviewing "A Very Special House" and I feel like I'm repeating myself. This was a book my sisters and I loved when we were children. One of the places I lived had a wonderful children's books store, and even though at the time I had no intention of ever having children myself, I bought it just for me. It was probably ten years later when I had my daughter, and I could hardly wait for her to be old enough to enjoy it. It isn't a story, it's a series of vignettes. Sometimes several items to a page, sometimes just one picture. Some of the bits are told entirely in pictures, but there is certainly no feeling of a comic book, it's very serious about friends and best friends and imagination. I don't look at it much these days, but I only have to look into my mind to see the dance of the little red shoes. "Someday, someday, little red shoes" became a family phrase for something you yearn for and will keep as a touchstone. Someday I'll get that. It doesn't seem to matter that it won't be today, it's enough to know that (that beautiful ring I saw at the craft show . . . the hybrid car . . . the glass blowing classes) are still wonderful dreams that I haven't given up.

Almost fifty years ago, Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak collaborated on this special little book, told from a child's perspective, about love and friendship (love is the same as like/only you spell them different-/only more of the same, sort of-/Love has more stuff in it!), and it is as fresh and meaningful today, as it was back in the early fifties. I'll Be You And You Be Me is a marvelous collection of poems, stories, short plays, fairy tales and other bits of whimsy and imagination. Ms Krauss uses her talented ear to capture the essence of a small child at play and you can almost hear that little voice talking and explaining his or her vision of life and the world, as you read (I went to you./I went to me./I went to/every where./And I went/THERE.). Mr Sendak complements each written idea with his expressive and wonderfully detailed pen and ink drawings. Together, this dynamic duo has authored a simple, gentle book full of childlike insight, wisdom and humor that will charm and delight both youngsters and adults. Perfect for preschoolers, I'll Be You And You Be Me is a masterpiece and a timeless treasure to read together and share and pass along to friends family and future generations.

The authors' national best-seller WEEKEND MILLIONAIRE'S SECRETS TO INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE has prompted a host of questions on investing - and thus the need for the sequel WEEKEND MILLIONAIRE REAL ESTATE FAQ: ANSWERS ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT MAKING A FORTUNE IN REAL ESTATE. Students' feedback and questions led to a collection of their most frequently asked questions: such covering everything from valuing different types of properties to the pros and cons of buying and managing property long-distance. Any avid investor must read through this: the questions and answers link to real-life scenarios and reasoning is easy to follow.

I didn't think it was possible for Mike and Roger to give us more information than what I found in the first two books, but this FAQ book is so complete. These authors share more information with the simplest answers, explanations and formulas than any other resource I know. This book can teach any investor to be so confident and knowlegable in operating their business. It will also teach them how to manage their time as an investor and be motivated and powerful in their negotiations. I am recommending this book to everyone.

This is one of the best book on the market about Real Estate. Mike and Roger has done it again with this book. The book is a great complement to the previous book written. It's well written and it answer all questions about buying and holding properties to build wealth using the weekend millionaire method. I truely enjoyed reading the book and can't wait for the next book. These guys are the real deal. Thanks for changing my path and so many others.

Theo Mills, Greenville, SC.

MINDSET (2nd book)changed the goals in my life. SECRETS (1st book)got my investment future started, and now FAQ has cleared up a lot of questions that come up in the learning process. Mike and Roger's easy way of explaining the most complex of subjects make this book a must buy. Think of this book as part two of Weekend Millionaire Secrets to Investing. If you know its time to change your life but you are missing that final push please pick up Weekend Millionaire Mindset it will do the job. Mike and Roger are also available to answer any question themselves which make these series truly undervalued. CHANGE YOUR FUTURE, INVEST IN YOURSELF, BUY THESE BOOKS. YOU MAY JUST BE THE NEXT WEEKEND MILLIONAIRE.

Very pleased with this system. It has a place to record everything I need for my Vacation Rental Business. It itemizes everything for me. This year, it should be easy to prepare for my tax obligation taxes. OHHH.. and, the best part is that it is in large enough print so I can see clearly. (I have "over forty" eyes... ) lol

Very Easy to use and portable. I am not the most organized person in the world. Before I got this book, I had papers everywhere. Now I have everything in good order. When I need something, it's right there where I can access it. I like the idea of a free property listing too. [...]

Hello Readers:
If you own a Vacation Rental then you know how difficult it can be to keep track of your renter's information, housekeeper's schedule, payments made, security deposits, maintenance schedule, tax information and everything else that goes along with it. Here is a tool that you can utilize to make your vacation rental go smoothly. No more "double bookings", "lost phone numbers", and "missing renters' information." Everything is made simple. Tax information organized for you. And, if you have any questions whatsoever, please contact Marie at www.HowToRentVacationHomes.com and check out the Free Property listing at www.DreamAwayVacationRentals.com

This book has been an absolute must for our recent evictions that we handled on our own.

The California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions is a companion book that goes hand in hand with the Nolo title The California Landlord's Law Book: Rights and Responsibilities. In fact, the opening chapters of the Evictions book repeatedly remind the reader to refer to Rights and Responsibilities, not for the purpose of selling more books, but because landlord/tenant law is best addressed with an overarching title, and if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to evict a tenant, you can pick up the more specialized title on that topic.

I personally purchased the Evictions book when I had a non-paying roommate in my own home who refused to move out. I purchased this book after I had started the eviction process and seen the sheriff way too many times, and I cursed myself for not getting it earlier, because I found out that the law was more on my side that I had thought. Nolo taught me that the sheriff is often misinformed about the process of evicting a roomer (someone in a bedroom in your primary residence) versus that of evicting a tenant in a separate rental property. This book referred me to the relevant sections of the California civil code and penal code for situations with roomers.

The book and accompanying CD have all the California law forms needed for the eviction process, as well as instructions for deciphering the forms, which is a formidable task on one's own. Personally, the most important chapter in the book was the one that guided me though the unlawful detainer trial process. The author described in detail all the facets of a court hearing, the relevant players, the methods for addressing the judge, the order of events, and so on. I went into my trial with confidence because I knew what to expect and I knew how to prepare my case.

This book is well worth the cover price. The most important lesson to remember is that not following the unlawful detainer procedure precisely will lead to delays in resolving the issue (by getting rid of the tenant or getting them current on their rent). This title is one of the only ways, short of hiring legal help, that a lay person can ensure their documentation will be in order and the process will not be delayed any longer than necessary. Every landlord needs to own The California Landlord's Law Book: Rights and Responsibilities, and the moment a tenant is late on rent or troublesome for other reasons, landlords need to buy The California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions.

I have been a landlord for many years and this book has saved me hundreds of dollars in legal fees and an untold number of headaches. Evictions are a tricky thing and this book really simplifies the process for you.

The book explains everything that the law requires you to do to properly remove a tenant: when to take certain steps, how to fill out the forms, how many copies to make, how to file them in court, and how to serve them to your tenant. The CD provides good template forms to start with, but better PDF versions are available online at various websites.

This book is a MUST for all investment property owners in California.