2022’s Top Commercial Real Estate Books for Investors and Brokers - Lumicre Group

The simplest way to learn the ins and outs of any industry and become an expert is to read. Whether it is a short blog on social media, a newsletter send to your inbox, or a book, reading is the best way to engulf new information. With the world of commercial real estate constantly changing, reading is fundamental for investors and agents to stay on top of trends.  

Below is a list of the top 25 books for investors and agents in 2022 to help keep them ahead and above the competition in real estate knowledge. 

Top 25 Books for Real Estate Investors and Brokers 

1. Long-Distance Real Estate Investing by David Greene

Long-Distance Real Estate advises commercial investors on finding, purchasing, and managing properties outside their local area. No matter what is going on with the current market, Greene’s book shows investors how to identify properties in other cities and states and make those properties work hard for them.

2. The Real Estate Game: The Intelligent Guide to Decision Making and Investment by William J. Poorvu and Jeffrey L. Cruikshank

Poorvu offers an inside scoop on developing, owning, and managing commercial properties drawing from 40 years of commercial real estate experience combined with 30 years as a Harvard Business School professor. The book consists of several techniques and tools for quickly learning commercial real estate tactics through case studies on all types of real estate investments. 

3. Negotiating Commercial Real Estate Leasing by Martin I. Zankel

This is not the typical book on simply how to draft a lease. Negotiating Commercial Real Estate Leasing is a comprehensive guide for owners, investors, property managers, and tenants to learn the inner working of the industry. Zankel outlines specific issues beneath various lease components and clauses, giving multiple industry perspectives.

4. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Published in 1936, Dale Carnegie’s classic self-help book is a mainstay for influencers, entrepreneurs, and public figures, with over 15 million copies sold worldwide. The book provides a new perspective on business surrounding becoming a better salesman, handling complaints, developing into a better speaker, and becoming a more entertaining conversationalist. Many leaders and commercial real estate investors use this book for new perspectives on business, whether new to the game or have been investing in CRE for decades.

5. A Master Guide to Income Property Brokerage: Boost Your Income By Selling Commercial and Income Properties by John M. Peckham III

As CEO of Peckham Boston Advisors, John Peckham has been personally involved in selling over $1 billion in real estate throughout his career. In this book, he offers practical step-by-step strategies for commercial real estate investors and agents. Readers will learn the fine points of selling income properties, how to increase commissions, turning leads into listings that sell, pricing properties to sell quickly, advertising income properties, and tips for showing income properties for quick sales.

6. The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller

If the name ‘Keller’ sounds familiar, it’s because the author is none other than Keller Williams Realty International’s Founder and Chairman of the Board. The book explores several key concepts to help investors and brokers think like Millionaire Real Estate Agents, with step-by-step, how-to instructions, to net a million annually. He encourages agents and investors to be the best they can be.

7. The Multifamily Millionaire, Volume I  by Brandon Turner and Brian Murray

Millionaires are created every day. Are you ready to join their ranks? It does not happen overnight and is not a simple journey, but The Multifamily Millionaire, Volume I guides readers through the exact, step-by-step blueprint needed to get started with small multifamily real estate to reach millionaire status. The experienced investors illustrate their proven framework for turning a single investment into long-term financial freedom no matter how much cash or experience. 

8. The Multifamily Millionaire, Volume II by Brandon Turner and Brian Murray 

In the second part of The Multifamily Millionaire series, the authors share the secrets to their success in large multifamily investing with proven methods and practical advice that will help take investment strategies to the next level and to build generational wealth. The book is based on the experience of starting with nothing and building real estate portfolios to thousands of units.

9. The Art of the Real by Daniel Lebensohn 

The Art of the Real takes the readers on a journey through a fast-paced ride on business and the importance of nurturing relationships for the greatest possible return on equity. Lebensohn speaks on his personal experiences in his journey to investing over $1.5 billion in commercial debt and equity while competing in the most cut-throat markets in the world and struggling to keep his relationships together.

10. Passive Investing Made Simple by Anthony Vicino, Dan Krueger, Gino Barbaro, & Jake Stenziano

In Passive Investing Made Simple, hard-working professionals interested in making their money work hard for them are introduced to different opportunities through investing in commercial real estate properties – this is what they call the best secrete in the world. The book is a comprehensive guide for investors on tips and tricks for buying multifamily apartments, building generational wealth through passive income streams, and reducing the tax burden.

11. Commercial Real Estate Investing by Mike Sowers 

Mike Sowers presents first-time investors with a step-by-step roadmap to success in their first commercial real estate deal. The seven-step process in the book has shown proven success repeatedly, leaving investors with how to find, fund, and cash out from your first buy. 

12. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill 

Ever wondered how some people can take the thoughts directly from their minds and create magic in real life? Napoleon Hill’s novel takes the reader through every step required for self-mastery – a path to wealth and success through changing mindsets.

13. What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow by Frank Gallinelli 

The book written by Frank Gallinelli speaks to the future and current real estate investors on the means of expense education and what to expect not just now but in the future. Investors are provided the guiding principles on the actual cost of doing business and what to consider when assessing each potential real estate investment.

14. SHIFT Commercial by Buddy Norman

SHIFT Commercial is widely recognized as one of the best commercial real estate books for top investors and brokers. As former founder and President of Keller Williams Commercial, Buddy Norman illustrates what it takes for commercial real estate investors and agents to thrive in the inevitability-changing market. Norman offers strategies, tactics, and insights based on proven models for staying nimble and taking advantage of investment opportunities throughout successful lead strategies. 

15. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss

If the concept of working smarter, not harder, appeals to you (and let’s be honest: who doesn’t want that?), you’ll want to read Ferriss’s book. While The 4-Hour Workweek doesn’t specifically teach about commercial real estate, these principles can be applied to any profession. Ferris questions the standards of work, productivity, retirement, and ‘the deferred-life plan’ – the idea is simple: make more money in less time, and enjoy all that life has to offer NOW.

16. Value Added: Successful Strategies for Listing & Selling Investment Real Estate by Brad Umansky

The book illustrates Brad Umansky real estate track record of being involved with over 600 commercial real estate transactions throughout his career. He shares his successful strategies for listing and selling almost every type of property with the readers. No matter where an investor or agent is in their career, there is always room for improvement. 

17. Brokers Who Dominate: 8 Traits of Top Producers by Rod Santomassimo

In Brokers Who Dominate, Santomassimo shares lessons from each of his colleague’s careers, giving investors and agents ideas for boosting sales and business. He introduces the idea that dominant brokers and top producers aren’t the only ones who see success in commercial real estate – anyone can dominate, regardless of their level of experience.

18. Good to Great by Jim Collins

In this book, Jim Collins analyzes 28 different companies and discovers the key to each company’s success. Although the book is not specific to commercial real estate, business leaders are provided with common management strategies and practices with proven success. This adds value to any investor or agent looking to work with the top commercial real estate companies successfully. 

19. The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie 

The main idea of this book is simple – become a great public speaker. It’s an excellent read for real estate investors or business owners who want to polish their public persona and speak with greater clarity, ease, and authority. The book reiterates the need to practice, not be afraid, have a positive attitude, and do it repeatedly. 

20. How Successful People Think by John Maxwell

As a widely-renowned expert on leadership, John Maxwell offers even more priceless insight into what is needed to be a successful commercial real estate investor. The book examines how certain people think and teaches the readers how to explore their creative potential, develop ideas, and learn lessons from the past to anticipate the future.

21. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

In this philosophy, Hill introduces 13 practical principles to follow. This book is one of the best commercial real estate books because it exposes investors to Hill’s “Philosophy of Achievement.” Although Think and Grow Rich mainly focuses on increasing your income, Hill believed that anyone could succeed in any endeavor by following the book’s advice. 

22. The Book on Investing In Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down by Brandon Turner

Proof that commercial real estate investing isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy, Turner’s practical book gives potential investors the tools to get started. The book offers insight into the world of commercial real estate investing, specifically identifying ways to finance CRE investment, no matter the net worth. This is a must-read for those who are new to CRE investments.

23. Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

Michael Blank’s novel ranks as the 2021 best-selling book in real estate investing on Amazon. Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing guides investors to leave their 9-5 jobs and build wealth through commercial real estate. The practical guide outlines the process for identifying great deals, taking calculated risks, and generating income through CRE investments. 

24. Placemakers by Herb Auerbach and Ira Nadel

To a dive into a comprehensive history of real estate developers throughout the ages have a read of Placemakers. These real estate pioneers created developments large and small, and some changed the world’s landscape along the way. Herb Auerbach and Ira Nadel examine the motivations, policies, and decisions behind these movers and shakers. It’s a look at the commercial real estate before the time of medical offices and apartment complexes.

25. More Than Cashflow by Julie Broad

Discover the detailed roadmap to making wise investments in More Than Cashflow with real stories from real investors. The book examines both the successes and failures of real estate professionals, providing tips on finding the best deals, funding the most projects, and avoiding making costly mistakes.

While meetings, seminars, and in-person communication can help investors become successful, reading some or all of these top real estate books can help them become even better. No matter the experience of the investor or agent, from history to practical guides about deal-making and investment strategy, these books give readers valuable information to help them succeed.

At Lumicre, LLC, we specialize in brokerage and management services in Houston and beyond. Our expert staff provides efficient services and innovative business modeling to give our commercial owners the best – deal speed, talent, and a tenant-centric mindset. Contact us today for more information!