Trump Strategies for Real Estate: Billionaire Lessons for the Small Investor

Phenomenal investment insight from one of the worlds leading Real Estate gurus. I have been in the business for 10+ years and I could have saved myself a lot of time and aggravation of "cutting my teeth" in the business if I had this book as a resource early on in my career. This is with out a doubt the real world MBA of Real Estate Investment. Mr. Ross does an unbelievable job of relating he and Trumps world class Real Estate Investment empire in a way that is understandable and applicable to any size investor. I can assure yo the tricks and methods he describes in this book are the way it "really" works out there. No classroom can prepare you in the way that this book lays it all on the line. The subtleties existing in the business world and Real Estate dealings in particular make the diffence to your success. Mr. Ross almost divulges too much information by un-locking the Billion dollar secrets that only hard core experience and proven success over many years and Real Estate cycles could foster. If you want to know how to do Real Estate Investment RIGHT...read this book!

As a relatively recent entry into the real estate world, I sought a book that provided excellent real estate advice. I didn't care who the author was or the picture on the cover, as long as the author had relevant experience. In fact, with Donald Trump on the cover, I was considering not getting the book. As big of a fan I am of the Apprentice in its first seasons, before I read the book my impression of Donald Trump was a lot of flash with relatively less substance. George Ross's book proved me wrong. Ross goes into good detail about how he and Trump achieved their major successes. Based on the book, Trump's accomplishments were based on creative thinking, hard work, and brilliant understanding of challenging issues (and people). I particularly enjoyed learning about the Grand Hyatt New York project as I work in hotel real estate; however, even the sections on residential real estate provided solid general R.E. advice. The book is a fast read but loaded with strategies. I am now reading the book a second time just to ensure I caught everything...even though each chapter provides a summary of key topics. After reading the book, I have newfound respect for The Donald, but particularly for George Ross. His knowledge flows well on the pages, with a somewhat casual tone in the writing but never appears too advanced or too simplistic. He presents topics well. The structure of the book and each chapter are organized. Each chapter is highly relevant. Undeniably, the book succeeds in its goal in providing real estate strategies that could work for all investors (from duplexes to a five-star resort). Certainly knowing basic real estate concepts (such as air rights and leasehold interest) will help in understanding some of the case studies, but Ross and co-writer Andrew James McLean never overly complicate each example. Granted the case studies aren't as in depth as anything a business school student deals with from HBS--but the main points of each case are presented well. I highly recommend this book. I can't find any significant faults...the book is simply well done.

Take investment advice from people who've actually made money in real estate. The basic model requires that we inspire, build relationships, prepare and apply tenacity. Think big with a premium on location. Create a vision. The author asks that we focus our negotiations with decision-makers or people with the authority to spend money. At all times, an aura of exclusivity should be engendered. Quick deals should be avoided where the detailed analysis cannot be performed on a timely basis. Add sizzle to a property and provide a perceived value for buyers/renters. Lastly, it is critical to know what customers will pay for extras. The work is a premium for any real estate investor-small or large.

I'm a UCLA student and I have read several "real estate investing" books and this one by George Ross is like one of the top three books in my collection. George talks about how Trump does his deals and then right away tells you how Small investors can apply the same concepts. I love reading this book over and over. For example, George tells you exactly what to say to your lender if they won't lend you a loan, word-by-word. Another thing I liked about book is that it wasn't based on theory (or ideas). George tells you what to do, step-by-step. Very fun to read and if your a Trump fan, like I am, you'll get into Trump's world a little bit. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK !!

No one knows Donald Trump better than George Ross, his right hand man for over 20 years. I wasn't sure what I was going to get from this book-- I picked it up because of Donald Trump's track record, and none of his other books really goes into real estate investing specifics. This book was a pleasant suprise with a lot of good investing tips. The best part of the book (and worth the $17 bucks) was the chapter on negotiation-- George Ross tells us how to make a good deal, great by using negotiation as a key tool. I can't wait to put this book to use.