5 Books for Smarter Rental Property Investing

Whether you're brand new to real estate or looking to take your rental property strategy to the next level, the right resources can make a huge difference. Books are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to gain insight from experienced investors—without learning everything the hard way.

Here are five tried-and-true books every smart landlord should have on their shelf.

1. Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner

Your foundational playbook.

Brandon Turner—co-host of the BiggerPockets podcast—breaks down the basics of real estate investing in a way that's approachable and actionable. From market analysis to property management strategies, this book covers all the essentials for getting started and scaling up.

Perfect for: beginners and those looking to solidify their core knowledge.

2. Long-Distance Real Estate Investing by BiggerPockets

Think beyond your zip code.

This book is all about investing in properties outside your local area—safely and successfully. You'll learn how to evaluate distant markets, build a remote team, and manage from afar with confidence. If you’re priced out of your local market or want to diversify, this is a must-read.

Perfect for: investors ready to expand beyond their hometown.

3. Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor by BiggerPockets

Because taxes matter more than you think.

Real estate has incredible tax advantages—if you know how to use them. This book walks through depreciation, write-offs, and long-term tax planning to help you keep more of what you earn.

Perfect for: anyone who wants to invest smarter by minimizing tax liability.

4. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

The mindset shift that changes everything.

This isn’t a real estate-specific book, but it’s often the first one that opens people’s eyes to the power of passive income and asset building. Kiyosaki’s lessons on financial education and thinking like an investor are timeless.

Perfect for: anyone who wants to break out of the 9-to-5 mindset.

5. Every Landlord’s Guide to Managing Property

Your go-to property management manual.

This book covers the real-world tasks that come after you buy the property—handling tenants, maintenance, legal compliance, and more. It’s a practical reference that answers the “what do I do now?” questions every landlord faces.

Perfect for: landlords managing day-to-day operations or self-managing rentals.

Learning = Leverage

These books aren’t just educational—they’re empowering. They offer real-world strategies, mindset shifts, and tactical advice that can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your returns.

Want to dive deeper? Each of these titles is easy to find online, and many are available in audio format if you prefer learning on the go.

Stack Your Books, Stack Your Wins

Serious about rental property success? Start by feeding your brain.
At Navigate Property Management, we believe the best investors are lifelong learners.
Let’s connect and chat about how we can support your journey from book-smart to property-savvy.