How to Invest in Condominiums: The Low-Risk Option for Long-Term Cash Flow (Paperback)

by Andris Virsnieks (Author) "The goal of this book's method is to give you as much work to do as a passive investor, such as a stock shareholder or..." (more)
Key Phrases: condominium method, persistent negative cash flow, additional condominiums, Wall Street, Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A simple proven method for improving cash flow so you can live rent-free and retire early

How to Invest in Condominiums provides a simple, low-risk blueprint for building cash flow by buying and renting out condominiums. You can provide for your retirement or improve your monthly income by investing in income-producing real estate at a very low risk to the capital you invest. Unlike stocks and bonds, real estate is immune to inflation and a fluctuating stock market and also provides some shelter from taxes–and the return on investment typically exceeds that of the average Wall Street investor!

The author includes a plan for getting started and a detailed record of his investments that shows how he grew a considerable cash flow–with only a small commitment of time and effort. This straightforward, realistic guide will help you:

• Use this method to establish long-term cash flow
• Avoid owning a money-losing rental unit
• Use professional property management to save time and money
• Avoid "fixer-uppers" v Keep your long-run effort minimal
• Live rent-free and retire early!

How to Invest in Condominiums is a reliable and realistic way to supplement your income. There are no gimmicks and no strings attached and this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a long-term plan that will help you meet–and surpass–your long-term goals.

From the Back Cover
A simple proven method for improving cash flow so you can live rent-free and retire early

How to Invest in Condominiums provides a simple, low-risk blueprint for building cash flow by buying and renting out condominiums. You can provide for your retirement or improve your monthly income by investing in income-producing real estate at a very low risk to the capital you invest. Unlike stocks and bonds, real estate is immune to inflation and a fluctuating stock market and also provides some shelter from taxes–and the return on investment typically exceeds that of the average Wall Street investor!

The author includes a plan for getting started and a detailed record of his investments that shows how he grew a considerable cash flow–with only a small commitment of time and effort. This straightforward, realistic guide will help you:

• Use this method to establish long-term cash flow
• Avoid owning a money-losing rental unit
• Use professional property management to save time and money
• Avoid "fixer-uppers" v Keep your long-run effort minimal
• Live rent-free and retire early!

How to Invest in Condominiums is a reliable and realistic way to supplement your income. There are no gimmicks and no strings attached and this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a long-term plan that will help you meet–and surpass–your long-term goals.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (November 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471151505
• ISBN-13: 978-0471151500
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #582,778 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting premise, well written, but not perfect...., January 16, 2003

By	David Krulac (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I enjoyed Andris Virsnieks' book very much. The author writes in an informative, intelligent and down to earth style. His premise is buy brand new condos as investment rental properties, and hire a professional management company to deal with the tenants and the day to day grind. I like it. I like the premise. I like the low involvement approach, and I'm convinced that the author did what he said he did. As opposed to some OTHER real estate authors whose books belong in the fiction section. New buildings should have fewer physical problems and many of those will/should be taken care of by the builder/developer. The author has been sucessful using his techniques and for that I applaud him.

There were a few things that I was less than satified with the book. The author only bought 7 or 8 condos and the last one was in 1986. His condo purchases were only in the Seattle, Washington area and some of his experiences and therefore conclusions may not be universal. And lastly though the book was published in 2001, it appears that much of the book was written in 1997 and many of the statistics end in 1996. A re-edited version NOT referring to the last stock market downturn as being in 1987 would have been appreciated.

I've owned condominiums myself and currently still own condos. I can attest to the truth and wisdom in Mr. Virsnieks' book. He has a plan, he executes that plan, and has written good accounting of his personal path to a steady income, very little hassle and time, as well as early retirement. This is not a get rich quick book, and the author does not have the bluster of late night informercials; but this is a clear worthwhile read.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply awesome! One of my Top Selections, February 10, 2002

By	Martin Perrien (Littleton, CO United States) - See all my reviews

...

It is obviously written for the individual that is just getting started in rental properties, but that is the intent of the book, and the author makes that very clear on the cover and forward. BUT, then he actually delivers!

I have had countless students in my passive income investment courses, and now I intend to add this easy read to my rental income properties classes as a must read!

I would have liked to see some more meat in certain chapters, such as how did he construct the financing of his purchases, and possibly a financial blueprint of his year by year ROI as he developed his portfolio. Also, there is little to no mention of the tax implications of his investments, but I can only speculate that they are great. Overall Andris Virsnieks accomplished his mission, and that was to write a "How-To" for the absolute novice!

Some of the most important and unique areas of the book involved the detailing of his condominium purchase's, and how he amased his portfolio of rental properties and the cash flow details of each. He then goes on to advise what he learned through each experience, and what he would do differently in hind sight.

Adris compares his condominium purchases with traditional single-family style homes, apartments and duplexes. He makes a strong case for the freedom associated with condominiums versus other rental real estate properties. I'm looking forward to a second edition of this book, and hopefully he will include some of the areas suggested above.

This is a must buy for anyone wanting to create passive income through rental properties.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one guide you need to invest in condominiums, January 7, 2002

By	Christopher G (Oakland, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This book is the one investment book I recommend for everyone, and certainly the one book for investing in condominiums. In concise and thorough detail, Andris Virsnieks lends his own personal experience to show not only how to get started in investing in condominiums, but explains how if properly researched they are a superior investment to apartments, the stock market, and other more time-consuming and volatile investments. This book is free of superfluous bull and get rich quick schemes, but is instead focusing on steady monthly cash flows with little maintenance through good property management. A great book.