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18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Informative. Good ideas., 8 Aug 1999
By A Customer
It seems the readers of this book are very much against the techniques (because of possible bankruptcy) or very for it (because of the possibility of getting rich). I'm with the latter group; beware of naysayers. Yes, I, as much as anyone else in this world, run the possibility of going bankrupt by taking chances. But you come into this world without a shirt on your back, and after dieing your shirt will eventually disappear too. It's the interim that scares everyone--"What if I lose my shirt now?" Personally, I'd rather lose my shirt and be able to say, "Damn it, at least I tried!" And, as far as security goes, real estate is a much better investment than stocks, because at least you have more control over your building (though the neighbors might drag yours down a little). Now, I wouldn't quit my regular job (just yet), but I'd like to think that some day, using the techniques in Allen's book and that of other investment entrepreneurs, I will be able to some day.Allen's book is intellectually invigorating, and he offers concepts that can be really helpful. He doesn't suggest "cheating" anyone out of anything; rather, he promotes honesty and "I win; you win" situations. He doesn't promote ripping anyone off. I can find properties that are distressed at rock-bottom prices, fix them up, and re-sell them quickly at fair market value by offering creative terms. If the real estate market "bottoms out" and prices go down 20 percent, which contradicts trends over the past 30 years that have shown 4 to 7 percent increases per year in most major areas (except, perhaps, in areas of L.A. where there were major fires brewing several years back and many dangerous and angry people) I'm still going to make at least a 200 percent return on my investment and under-cut everyone else if I must. The beauty of real estate is that no matter the situation, everyone needs shelter. In summation of Allen's book, I'll say that I have a habit of bending the top of a page if I come across a good idea on it. After reading "Nothing Down for the 90s," half the book has bent pages. The only thing his book doesn't cover very well is the lease with option to purchase, and I think "Lease Purchase America" by John Ross covers that topic quite well (for small investments, i.e. 1-4 family buildings; it lacks for commercial investment ideas). Much like Ross's book, I'd give this one five stars, but nothing is perfect (though I think Allen's book is the best real estate investment book I've read out of over a dozen).
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by Robert T. Kiyosaki
by Mark Victor Hansen
by George S. Clason
