Includes index.

Part 1. Getting started with real estate investing

Evaluating real estate as an investment

Covering common real estate investments

Considering foreclosures, REOs, probate sales, and more

Taking the passive approach

Fast money : small down payments and property flips

Building your team

Part 2. How to get the money : raising capital and financing

Identifying sources of capital

Financing your property purchases

Securing the best mortgage terms

Part 3. Finding and evaluating properties

Location, location, value

Understanding leases and property valuation

Valuing property through number crunching

Preparing and making an offer

Due diligence, property inspections, and closing

Part 4. Operating the property

Landlording 101

Protecting your investment

Recordkeeping and accounting

Looking at tax considerations and exit strategies

Part 5. The part of tens

Ten ways to increase a property's value

Ten steps to real estate investing success

Appendix : sample purchase agreement