We always say that owning real estate builds wealth for your entire family for generations to come—and it couldn’t be more true! Even if you have to finance a home, it’s essentially like having a forced saving account where you pay yourself each month and obtain more capital as the years go by! Did you know that investing in real estate is actually one of the smartest investments you can make? Unlike the stock market, if you want to purchase $100,000 in real estate, you only have to put up a fraction of that face-value, and real estate is likely to appreciate over time, as homes are always in high demand.

That being said, if you’re interested in beginning the journey of investing in real estate, you have to do your homework first. Good news—we already did some of that homework for you and devised a list of the essential books to read before you begin building your wealth.

1.The Millionaire Investor by Gary Keller: What better than an investing handbook from the FOUNDER of Keller Williams, Gary Keller, himself? This book is filled with practical, workable advice for anyone who wants to build their wealth through real estate, whether you’re just starting or an expert. Our Team Leader, Sarah Reynolds, personally vouches for this book and has used it to build her own wealth and teach these priceless strategies to our entire Team! This handbook combines a collection of proven techniques from hundreds of millionaire investors that come from all walks of life, giving you perspective and real-world application. If you’re looking for an easy-to-digest and straightforward book to guide you through developing the mindset of an investor and finding your financial potential, this book is for you.

2. The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner: Want to know how to succeed in owning rental properties? This handy guide outlines everything you need to know about generating cash flow from your rental properties and how to maintain it. This book is suitable for beginners and will give you a huge advantage in building your wealth. You’ll even learn the common mistakes people make that can be completely avoided given the right tools and tricks!

3. Mastering the Art of Commercial Real Estate Investing by Doug Marshall: Commercial real estate is a whole other beast compared to residential real estate. Rather than having one resident, commercial real estate offers the opportunity to have dozens or even hundreds of tenants. The return can be high, but it takes knowing the risks involved to be successful. Want to know more about the world of commercial real estate? Learn the basis with this book—you’ll be equipped with knowledge about timing, laws, long-term growth, and more!

4.The Book on Tax Strategies by Amanda Han and Matthew Macfarland: Let’s talk taxes. Like any other investment, real estate has tax implications, which is a main reason prospective investors get overwhelmed and decide to give up on this dream. This is a must-read for people looking to invest in real estate! You will learn from certified public accountants that guide you through a thorough tax guide to include information on tax depreciation, how to use a self-directed IRA, and so much more.

5.The Book on Flipping Houses by J. Scott: The last book on our list is geared toward those who are interested in flipping houses versus waiting for properties to gain value over time. As a successful and professional in the industry, J. Scott outlines his proven system for evaluating potential markets, rehabilitating without cutting into the profit margin, and reselling for a profit. Whether you want to develop a full-scale company or flip one at a time, this book is a great beginner’s guide to the essential parts of house flipping.