Trump University Commercial Real Estate 101: How Small Investors Can Get Started and Make It Big [Hardcover]

David Lindahl (Author), Trump University (Author), Donald J. Trump (Author)

Book Description

Series: Trump University | Publication Date: November 10, 2008

Many investors are frightened of investing in commercial real estate. But with residential real estate struggling, the time is right to make the switch to commercial properties. Trump University Commercial Real Estate Investing 101 takes the fear out of commercial investing with easy-to-understand, step-by-step principles that will make you successful and lower your risk. You?ll learn the differences between residential and commercial properties, how to invest profitably in your spare time, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

You Don't Have to Be a Billionaire to Make It Big in Commercial Real Estate!

For first-timers and experienced residential investors alike, Trump University Commercial Real Estate Investing 101 provides a clear path to breaking into the lucrative field of commercial investing. Combining the biggest name in business with lessons from a top real estate investor, this practical guide covers all the ins and outs of successful, profitable investing in apartment buildings and small commercial properties.

Author David Lindahl has been involved in hundreds of real estate deals and currently controls over $240 million in real estate. In each chapter, Lindahl covers the big issues in commercial investing by breaking them down into smaller, easily understood ideas in a straightforward, non-technical way. He explains step by step how you can get started in commercial investing or make the leap from residential markets to more profitable commercial markets.

Packed with investing lessons you'll be glad you didn't have to learn the hard way, this practical, hands-on guide not only shows you the ropes but keeps you from getting tangled up in bad deals. You'll discover how to get into the commercial investing game without a huge bankroll, how to read markets and buy at the perfect time, and how to lock in your profits early to guarantee a good deal.

Ideal as a stand-alone primer on commercial investing or as a companion text for Trump University real estate investing courses, Trump University Commercial Real Estate Investing 101 provides all the information and tactics you need to start making money with commercial properties now. No matter where you live, this comprehensive, practical guide explains everything you need to know about profitable, successful commercial investing.

From the Back Cover

Commercial Real Estate Investing 1O1

Trump University books are practical, straightforward primers on the basics of doing business the Trump way—successfully. Each book is written by a leading expert in the field and includes an inspiring Foreword by Trump himself. Key ideas throughout are illustrated by real-life examples from Trump and other senior executives in the Trump organization. Perfect for anyone who wants to get ahead in business, with or without the MBA, these streetwise books provide real-world business advice based on the one thing readers can't get in any business school—experience.

In Trump University Commercial Real Estate Investing 101, you'll discover how to:

• Get started as a small investor

• Understand and read market cycles

• Attract deals and keep them coming

• Use three different techniques for property valuation

• Lock in your profit in the early stages of a deal

• Perform due diligence and uncover the truth behind every deal

• Take only smart risks and recognize bad deals before it's too late

• Tap into financing sources and structure your deals

• Develop a team that will keep your business going when it gets too big to handle alone

• Do simple, smart things to maximize profits when you sell

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (November 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470380357
• ISBN-13: 978-0470380352
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #171,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's not another guru fluff book; it has real meat., December 22, 2008

By 

Jeffrey D. Smith (LONGMONT, CO United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Trump University Commercial Real Estate 101: How Small Investors Can Get Started and Make It Big (Hardcover)

This book is written by David Lindahl with small commentaries by Donald Trump sprinkled through it. The book is loaded with real meat for the avid real estate investor who wants to get started in commercial real estate investing. It's not quite a full-blown step-by-step "how to be a commercial real estate investor" as explained in
Commercial Real Estate Investing For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)) (which is my number 1 favorite commercial real estate starter book -- it's almost a complete business plan), but David Lindahl comes very close to it.

My only real complaint is Lindahl's insistence on letting the real estate broker take both sides of the commission, even when the broker hasn't earned it. If I had to find the property (by searching the Multiple Listing Service or other internet websites *and* I do all of the upfront financial analysis), then I want half of the total commission as a seller price concession. If the broker brought it to me as his own private unadvertised pocket listing *and* he has already done the financial analysis for me, then he has earned both sides of the commission.

As a new commercial real estate investor, this book is an excellent addition to my library. Keep a yellow highlighter handy when you read it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Foundation of the Basics for Commercial Property Investing, April 25, 2009

By 

Charlie Yankee "Rapid Reviews" (Indonesia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trump University Commercial Real Estate 101: How Small Investors Can Get Started and Make It Big (Hardcover)

I must say I was slightly biased prior to purchasing this book.
I mean, with Trump slapping his 'signature' over this book, I figured
the book was definitely worth a read. Many years ago I found his Art of the Deal
book, which was a real eye-opener and tremendous confidence and motivational booster
for me in my own attempts to purchase real estate.

However as I stated in the title the books does a good job of trying to get you to understand the foundation,
or principles of 'beginning' and to get
you to do what other books of this type set out to do- to TAKE ACTION. All the amount
of reading one can do is nothing compared to actually 'cutting your teeth' and experiencing
the actual investing, purchasing, running the numbers, meeting with brokers/sellers that one must do.

I purchased my first residential single family property at the age of 21. I made 100% profit (at the time close to USD$150K) in less than 6months, because of
the Rich Dad Poor Dad books - I only wish I had read a book like this one years ago!

In summary, the book is a must-read for those needing initial education in investing in Commerciail Property (which also includes 'commercial' multi-family/multi-unit
Residential Property). You won't get a very in depth how-to, but it does provide the basics, the rest is upto you.
Take Action!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book, February 25, 2009

By 

Keaton Laney - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Trump University Commercial Real Estate 101: How Small Investors Can Get Started and Make It Big (Hardcover)

This book completely got me off of Residential, I read a lot of books on residential, and the more I read, the more I didn't want to have anything to do with them.

Great info which touches base on multifamily investing. If you're looking for Retail, Office, Industrial, there's still good information, but half the book is geared more towards Multifamily.