When a book claims to be “a step by step road map to financial wealth,” one might raise a cynical eyebrow and move on. Doing so in the case of Steven D. Fisher’s The Commercial Real Estate Investor’s Handbook would be foolish. This is no get rich quick manual, however, and Fisher is clear to point out that winning in commercial real estate requires hard work, a determined effort, and the proper mindset.

Borrowing concepts espoused by wealth producing experts Napoleon Hill, Stephen R. Covey, Dale Carnegie and others, Fisher has created a powerful step-by-step commercial real estate guide by implementing classic self-improvement principles and applying them to a specific field.

Highlights include a mindset questionnaire, how to get started, career options in real estate, sources available, different types of financing, negotiating, and closing the deal. Unlike most real estate investment handbooks, Fisher explains how to manage the property after the purchase, and how to sell it down the road.

The ultimate question is whether or not an average person could take the information contained in The Commercial Real Estate Investor’s Handbook and transact a profitable deal. If you’re looking to invest in commercial real estate or are open to new methods of amassing wealth, I suggest you pick up the book, and find out for yourself. You’ll be very pleased.

That’s not all it covers. There’s also information about commercial real estate loan documents, an explanation of leases, negotiating purchase agreements, managing tenants, insurance, sale of commercial real estate properties, marketing real estate properties, and taxes. Two appendices include sample lease forms. A glossary is beneficial to beginners who haven’t yet mastered real estate and investment terminology.

The Commercial Real Estate Investor’s Handbook: A Step by Step Road Map to Financial Wealth is definitely not boring or dry. It’s an interesting, practical and informative book that anyone considering real estate investing should invest in (no pun intended).

Quickly addressing the first risk in Commercial Real Estate development - lack of knowledge - this book is designed to make sure you have the plan before the game starts. It will answer questions from why you should invest all the way through to how to sell on successfully. At the same time it provides exact and well thought out tips to ensure you remain a courteous and well liked player throughout. It makes it quite clear exactly what your role should be at every point during your acquisition, who to hire from outside and precisely what to expect of them. The document lists, tables, classifications and references (including web – references) are excellent. Also contains appropriate information on insurance, taxes, real estate accounting, issues of law and inspired ideas like having an attorney who is also an investor.

The medicine might be slightly bitter to take but the message is clear. There are no short cuts – if you are a moral person, who invests in learning, works hard and follow the rules you will make money in real estate and do so happily!

5 Stars

I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever contemplated trying to enter this market. It will, at the very least, let the reader know if it is right for him or her. This book is also useful to those who have already entered the market but would like to expand into other commercial endeavors.

By Debra Wolf

Real estate will always be there and, in the long run it greatly increases in value (despite some ups and downs). There is only so much land for an increasing population. So it is a sound investment, as long as you are knowledgeable and choose wisely. This handbook contains the basic information you need to figure out whether a real estate “deal” you are contemplating will be profitable or disastrous. The book starts out with a refresher course in elementary math and algebra—even if you got “A” in algebra all those years ago, who can remember it now? Then it explains all the ins and outs of interest and investment mathematics. So many times an unwary would-be investor does not take into account all the expenses involved in owning income property and can end up with some nasty surprises. Don’t forget the real estate agent involved is anxious to make the sale and may neglect to point out all the disadvantages and expenses involved down the line. It is wise to figure that out for yourself. Don’t be put off by the detailed and complex first chapters of this handbook. The author contends that not just math, but algebraic equations are needed by the investor. There is a chapter on Excel, too. And if you have had no experience with Excell, I’d advise you to take a course in it at a local school, too, in order to save tons of time if you plan on much investigative investing. The math is interspersed with good, practical advice on the profits and pitfalls of real estate investing (always read the fine print, for example}. Land measurement is explained. There are chapters on mortgages, taxes, debt ratios, etc., and case studies with sample forms. The whole complex subject is explained quite clearly and in detail, but be prepared to spend time and effort studying it chapter by chapter, because it is really a work book, containing the math every investor should know.

ISBN-13: 978-0-910627-07-8 ISBN-10: 0-910627-07-X

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A well-written guide for the beginning investor. It differs from so many, in that it is not a book about getting rich quick. The author states upfront that making money is possible with hard work and dedication. Then he lays out all the steps necessary to achieve the goal. I love that author tips for bolstering your self -confidence using positive affirmations. He even gives examples of where to place those encouraging notes.

The book is written in plain English with a warm friendly tone. It is extremely well laid out and easy to read. It covers everything you will need to know to succeed. There is an excellent appendix that provides a wealth of sample documents and also, there is a glossary of every term used in the book.

After reading this book, you feel you have a good working knowledge of what it takes to become successful in the commercial real estate market. I highly recommend it.

The handbook offers specific guidelines as well as ways to choose between various types of investments, closing the deal, insurance options and much more. It even includes the pros and cons of managing tenants. This all-inclusive handbook would be a helpful tool for anyone wanting to get started in real estate investments.

Rating: 5