Overview
A handful of books consistently come up as essential reading for landlords: Brandon Turner's "The Book on Rental Property Investing" for the investment side, Leigh Robinson's "Landlording" for hands-on day-to-day management, Ken McElroy's "The ABCs of Property Management" for operations, "HOLD" by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and co-authors for long-term wealth building, and "The Book on Managing Rental Properties" by Brandon and Heather Turner for tenant screening and lease management specifically. Beyond books, organizations like the National Apartment Association (NAA) and the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) offer ongoing education, certifications, and legal updates worth following as a landlord.
"The Book on Rental Property Investing" by Brandon Turner
A comprehensive guide to investing in rental properties, covering how to analyze potential properties, finance investments, and manage properties effectively. Brandon Turner is a real estate investor and co-host of the BiggerPockets podcast, and the book leans on practical tips and real-world examples to help landlords make informed investment decisions.
"Landlording: A Handymanual for Scrupulous Landlords and Landladies Who Do It Themselves" by Leigh Robinson
A long-running, regularly updated guide to hands-on property management, covering everything from advertising a rental to handling problem tenants. Leigh Robinson brings decades of firsthand landlording experience, and the book focuses on practical advice to help landlords avoid common mistakes.
"The ABCs of Property Management" by Ken McElroy
A comprehensive guide to managing rental properties, from finding the right tenants to handling maintenance requests. Ken McElroy is a real estate investor and property manager with decades of experience, and the book focuses on streamlining operations and maximizing profitability.
"HOLD: How to Find, Buy, and Rent Houses for Wealth" by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and Co-Authors
A guide to building long-term wealth through real estate investing, covering everything from finding suitable properties to managing them effectively over time. Gary Keller is co-founder of Keller Williams Realty, and Jay Papasan is a bestselling co-author known for his work on several real estate investing books. The book focuses on the practical steps to building a durable rental property portfolio.
"The Book on Managing Rental Properties" by Brandon Turner and Heather Turner
A follow-up to "The Book on Rental Property Investing," this one focuses specifically on property management: tenant screening, lease agreements, and handling maintenance requests. Co-author Heather Turner brings direct property management experience, adding a practical, on-the-ground perspective to the book.
Additional Resources Worth Following
Beyond books, ongoing education matters in a field where laws and best practices change. The National Apartment Association (NAA) publishes articles on property management, legal issues, and industry trends. The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) offers educational courses and a certification program specifically for property managers and landlords.
