I just finished reading your book. Excellent. The best one I've read yet. It explains the real, traditional way to buy properties.

Robert G.
Staten Island, NY

As a bookauthor and investor I highly recommend anyone getting involved in the real estate arena to read Matt's books.

I have personally known the author for many years and I can tell you that there are few top notch investors like him out there that have his knowledge and financial saviness at the time of purchasing and managing multifamily units. We all have a lot to learn from him.

In "2 Years to a Million in Real Estate", I enjoyed reading his stories and the way he positively handled difficult situations with tenants.
-- A Must read! --

As a bookauthor and investor I highly recommend anyone getting involved in the real estate arena to read Matt's books.

I have personally known the author for many years and I can tell you that there are few people like him out there that have the knowledge and financial saviness at the time of purchasing and managing multifamily units. We all have lots to lears from him.

In "2 Years to a Million in Real Estate", I enjoyed reading his stories and the way he positively handled difficult situations with tenants.
-- A Must read! --

I really enjoyed this book. I've read several like it and most are filled with essentially the same point worded differently again and again. This book was not like that at all. Instead, it is a comprehensive, detailed read on all aspects of finding, purchasing and (most importantly) RUNNING a rental business. The author does not pull any punches and delivers clear suggestions, pertinent examples, and ultimately, a well structured missive that should be required reading for anyone looking to learn more about getting into the rental real estate market. Highly recommended.

The book gave his account of how he continually acquired real estate properties and became a very successful real estate investor. Unfortunately, his method is a little outdated. Many of the loan programs he discusses are no longer available due to the current mortgage crisis. It's now nearly impossible to acquire a investment property with only 10% down and most people no longer have the equity in their homes to do what he did in 2002.
He does make some very good points about skipping the properties that don't produce monthly income and I like his strategies to avoid equity-only investing. It's proven to be very good advice since the book was published.
Overall, I'd recommend it as a read to beginner investors but in today's market, the title just won't hold up.

I have been a realtor since 1999 and this is the first book I've read about RE investing that gets to the point. Many other investors like to talk about themselves, which I could care less about. Matthew Martinez gets to the point on how to invest in real estate. By the way he does respond to email, how is that for service. Great book Matthew.

Rick

This helped my out tremdously. After getting into rental properties, this book helped my realize all mistakes. Wish I had it before I began.
Was even able to email Matthew and ask him some questions. And I was surprised and got back to my with some good advice. Worth every penny!!!!!!!!!!

This is a great book for anyone looking to start their real estate portfolio. The author tells the story of how he began his career as a real estate investor and moved away from working his 9-5 job. This is not a get rich quick book, but how one can work hard and create independent wealth.

The title is a little deceptive... "2 years to a million in real estate" made me assume he is talking about INCOME within 2 years, instead he is talking about HOLDINGS... several buildings which total about a mil, which he probably owes close to a mil on.
He used a strategy to pull out equity from previous properties and his primary residence to finance his new purchases, sometimes on interest-only mortgages... high LTVs, risky stuff. I'd like to see how it's playing out right now, but if it's working and he's still able to cash flow the units, GREAT! Otherwise, I'd be a little concerned as the markets plummet 20% per year in some areas.

AT THE SAME TIME, he said that after he did a few of these, he was able to quit his job, living just on the cash flow from his properties, WHICH IS AWESOME I THINK... It's hard to make properties cash flow, especially in areas like Boston where this guy is from. If he bought in good neighborhoods, I think he did a decent job.

This book is definitely not a get rich quick scheme despite the title; it is a biographincal account providing lessons learned and suggestions for avoiding pitfalls and capitalizing on opportunities. Martinez does a good job of gettig that bit of extra info across to the aspiring investor who is serious about real estate. He has good ideas for helping think outside the box on financing and brings up great points about the actual process of being a landlord. I found his suggestions on leveraging capital especially helpful. A great read for the new investor/landlord or investor who has come to a wall in terms of financing additional properties.

There is very little original content in this book. Though well written versus many of the "Make A Million" books in circulation, the basic premise of making a million dollars in two years is a sham.

Four of the first six chapters in the book track the author's first, second, third and fourth income producing property investments. At the end of those chapters, the author lists the "Value" of his rental property portfolio. The problem is, the author lists the cumulative market value of his portfolio versus the equity value of the property portfolio. By doing so, the author does not subtract his portfolio's debt total from the portfolio's market value to calculate the portfolio's true equity value.

There is a substantial difference between equity value and market value, particularly if one follows the authors advice and takes out high loan-to-value mortgages. Given the current state of the residential real estate market, with falling home values throughout the county, be very weary of taking on high debt levels with minimally positive property cash flows.

I read this a couple of months ago and while I haven't purchased a property due to the tough credit crunch and some other life altering things, I plan to execute in about a year. If found that the book is an excellent guide that will get you to a much more solid financial picture if you truly follow what Matthew's footprint he has laid out. I have read some other get rich in real estate books, I just feel that this one really paints a clear picture / plan that many people can easily follow. He offers a plan that you can utilize while still working your day job. There are also many great real estate templates and examples through out the book. I feel it is up to the individual as to how far you want to take your real estate investing. This books almost feels like you have a mentor while reading it!!! Great book!

This book is very well written. It provides practical, important information to the prospective multi-family rental property investor. The author is obviously very intelligent and sophisticated, yet able to break down the component parts of investment preparation so a novice can understand and employ his methods. The formulas for calculating your return before investing a penny are especially helpful, as well as the focus on cash flow instead of relying on potential appreciation over time. I just wish I had had this information before I bought the real estate I already own.

There is no 2 year plan that will lead you to a million in real estate laid out in this book. It is an imperfect tale of real estate basics and a few stories worked in for flavor. Its more of a cheerleading book for real estate investment but im thinking when you get to the point where you are buying real estate books on amazon you need some real meat and potatos... buying this book wont be the worst mistake you ever made...but there are many that cover similar material in a much better way. Personally i stay away from the Donald Trump, Carlton Sheets, infomercial real estate types, and go with authors that have a long term, realistic, and workable approach to real estate.

I found Matthew's book easy to read, helpful, and inspirational. Not only did he describe how to successfully got started in real estate but he also provided details on his experience in the rat race of corporate America and how he transformed his career. This is something most people can relate to which makes it appealing to many readers.

He provides specifics like investment strategies, financing, and property management that helps those entering real estate investing.

The book feels and looks like if you're reading some of Mr. Kiyosaki's books. The only reason I rated a four is because I like the cashflow concept.

Motivational and factual. This book is good for anyone curious attaining wealth through multi unit housing. The title in no way is suggestive of the contents of the book. Don't be skeptical of it being a get rich scheme because its not. The title is reffering to the authors personal story of attaining a million in 2 years. He was able to raise more capital than the average person because he owned a condo that had built up a lot of equity because it was in a hot market. He then used the equity to invest it in mutl-unit housing. The principles are sound. This is a good book to supplement or begin if you are interested in the best way of attaining wealth.

Mr. Martinez writes an excellent roadmap for those who want to get into the rental property business, but even better, his own written experiences in getting into this business is very inspirational! My wife and I are in the process of renting out our first property due to this book. Don't know if we'll make our first mil in 2 years, but what's better is the experience we'll gain in doing so.

This book explains everything so that it's understandable. It doesn't speak to those who already have some experience. It speaks and inspires to those with none.

A must buy!

The book follows the author on his path to success through real estate management/investment. When I reached the point in the book where the author made his first real estate investment purchase in the summer of 2002 I paused to consider the housing market he succeeded in. With a copyright of 2006, the author must have generated the bulk of his successes between 2002 and late 2005/early 2006 - heady times for the real estate market. His claim that the book will "... teach you how to duplicate my achievements..." is questionable given the present housing market. If he were starting out today would he have achieved so much so fast?

The book is easy to read and I like the way points are summarized at the end of each chapter. I'm just concerned that someone whose advice is based upon an experience gained during very favorable housing market conditions might not hold up under tougher times.

Matthew Martinez's book is very informative and relatively straightforward. I thought he has some very good insights and his strategies are excellent for succeeding in any market.

Matthew Martinez gives a step by step approach to purchasing income property. He explains the reasons behind his method with formulas so easy to use I placed them on excel.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author really made this book an enjoyable read. The only reason I'm giving this review 4 stars, rather than 5, is because I felt he left out some things he shouldn't have. I'd recommend picking up this book, along with Bubble Proof: Real Estate Strategies that Work in any Market. Bubble Proof is also a very nice read, and the author talks about much of what Matthew didn't.

This is a must book for any Real estate library. The great thing about Mathew is that he is relatively new in the real estate business as compared to some of the millionaire veterans. Its much easier for a newbie to connect and identify with Mathew in that respect.
The book is a very comprehensive and lays out the details on almost every issue pertaining to Real Estate.The book provides all the key tools and ratios needed to make a calculated and educated decision.
Mathew tries to make a very valid point: cashflow is king and you cannot survive in this business for long without cashflow. I think its still possible to have cashflow even after the real estate frenzy. There are tons of great properties out there in areas like Austin, Dallas which have tremendous apperciating potential and cashflow too.
On the whole highly recommended book. I am just waiting for his new book to hit the stands.

I think Matthew's book is a good read for the beginning/ intermediate real estate investor. I am 33-years-old and pretty well versed in real estate, having my RE license in CA and having done probably 3-4 personal deals, but the book opened my eyes to some new ideas. For example, Matthew elaborates on a plethora of unique ways to fill a vacancy, how to evaluate in detail potential investment properties, different ways to get financing for down payments, etc. He also lists a ton of other real estate investment books to reference.
I think the main thing I have come to realize from reading his book is that cashflow is king. Building a million dollars in equity really is not the point. Receiving a nice monthly cashflow stream from buying the right properties is what it is about. After I read his book I started evaluating certain investment markets which showed me that you can realistically have probably $50k- $200k to put down and be able to cashflow $1k- $4k a month, which I personally would consider a pretty nice start. And if you're worth a million and own the right cashflowing properties? Well, I'll be writing a book like Matthew at that point!

I have purchased roughly 30 of these real estate investor books in the past couple years--this one is the best!

This book is great. Matthew is not your typical get rich guru (although he got rich quick), he's more like one of us: going to work and paying the bills. He decided that there was more to life than this and took matters and real estate investing into his own hands. His book also differs in that rather than investing in single family homes he focuses on multi-unit buildings. There are few books out there that cover this topic for beginning investors. [...]

This book is great. Matthew is not your typical get rich guru (although he got rich quick), he's more like one of us: going to work and paying the bills. He decided that there was more to life than this and took matters and real estate investing into his own hands. His book also differs in that rather than investing in single family homes he focuses on multi-unit buildings. There are few books out there that cover this topic for beginning investors. [...]

Matt did an excellent job writing this book. Through his writings I have been able to validate my own finacial and career independence plans. His book is very current and isn't about quick get rich schemes but sound and reasonable investment plans. He also provides excellent ideas for how to increase deal flow, evaluate a deal, manage tenants, etc...

I would highly recommend this book if you are looking at investing in real estate or if you have just a few properties. I have owned a property for awhile and his recommendations are honest and good.

Best and easiest book I have read in Real Estate Investing. Honest, well-organized, FULL of useful information. I have truly taken this book and is now running with it. The author includes formulas that allows the investor to determine whether a property is worth investing in or not. I was surprised to find the same formulas being sold as an "Analysis Tool" CD by another popular Real Estate Millionaire author for $250!! This book cost me under $20 with Amazon discount, I think..and it gave me all the same info as in the $250 CD! Happy RE Investing!

Matthew broke this down into a fantastic set of modules that you take on step by step. The trick to real estate is the nuts and bolts. As they say, "the devil is in the details" and Matthew has taken care of that. In developing online marketing programs for real estate agents at internetassetgroup.com, I have read my fair share of books and this one is a winner!
Way to go Matthew!

THIS BOOK HIT HOME! I WAS IN A SIMILAR SITUATION AND THE BOOK JUST MADE MY BELIEF IN REAL ESTATE STRONGER. MATT GOT RIGHT TO THE POINT AND EXPLAINED IN TERMS ANYONE WILL UNDERSTAND. GET THIS BOOK NOW!

Motivational. Excellent examples from experience. Good starter book if you're interested in creating a foundation for wealth.

Like most people considering buying this book, Matt did not start his real estate career with a large sum of money for down payments. He did not receive gift loans from relatives; he was simply the average American with a day job and no huge savings.

His principle is based on leverage and using OPM (other peoples money). To the skeptic and beginners the last sentence might read something like "His principles are based on taking HUGE RISKS" but this is not true. All successful real estate investors use significant leverage. But the key, which he explains is having the knowledge. Risk, is therefore, simply having a lack of knowledge on the subject and Matt is the bridge maker who will close the gap for you.


The great thing about this book is that it is "Fluff Free". Matt does not just give you a basic principle and then follow with zero detail (which is a major criticism of the great Robert Kiyosaki books). Instead, all 182 pages are packed full of "need to know" information. There are even several appendixes after the 182 pages that give you quotes, further suggested readings, and samples of letters/forms you will need in your own real estate business. I took notes the entire time I read this book and ended up with 20 pages in Microsoft Word, this book is the real deal.


One last word. Undoubtedly, like anything in the world there will always be a few skeptics. Scattered throughout all of the positive feedback on Amazon you will see a comment or two of criticism, do not let this scare you. Everyone has heard the old cliché, "misery loves company" so don't fall for into these people's traps. If you take the time to read this book and take action on what you have learned success will be inevitable.

If you have ever thought about investing in real estate but didn't know where to start this is an excellent source. Matt Martinez has created a book that takes a down-to-earth approach to investing in real estate. Unlike many books that give you broad overviews of investing Matt has taken one single approach (multifamily properties) and broken it down to the essential points.

I really enjoyed the story telling style of the first part of the book where Matt teaches by example, walking us through his first deals. Not only do we see the numbers but just as importantly how Matt came to owning these properties.

If you are wondering what a "good deal" is for a multifamily property then you will find Chapter 8 "Evaluating Deals" worth the price of admission. In this chapter the author actually takes us through a deal and tells us what we should pay for a property. Not some double talk about it depending on your situation, but what we should actually pay! Even if you don't know NOI from a Cap Rate you can work through the numbers from your own deals with this chapter.

Each chapter is summarized with a "Lessons Learned" section. This is extremely helpful for folks like me who have a five minute attention span. In these segments Matt reminds us of the essential information we need to take away to become successful investors. I've been investing for a while now and probably could have saved some money and definitely a lot of time if I had come across this book earlier.

Hi all,

I just returned this book after reading it through twice. This author's description of his rise to real estate wealth is shaky at best. The timeline, as written, does not work. I find the financials he describes highly questionable. Purchasing several appartment buildings using one secured line of credit off a condo? I don't think so.

As mentioned in other reviews, this is not a credible system for puchasing investment/revenue real estate, but rather a story about an individual who either got very, very lucky (of which there are many in real estate) or is padding his jacket.

There are many, many better books out there. This author is trying cash in with a catchy title and some cheerleading. Nothing of substance. See Keller's new book: same price, much better value.

This is a revealing look of how millionaire real estate investors make their money...reproducing such feat might be somewhat impossible as the same circumstances would need to happen; however, it inspires and gives you an insight to a mindset of how to get rich. Definitely a must read. A good supplement to this book is: The Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Tax Lien and Tax Deed Auctions (ISBN 0978834607)

This book was a great read. It follows the Kiyosaki principles. I became very motivated after reading this book and I am more motivated to expand on my two rental properties.

I simply can't say enough about this book. I consider it a MUST read for anyone thinking of buying a rental property, or even if you already own a couple of rental properties. I am not going to bore you with long descriptions of this book, because you can already find that on your own. I will say this. I have read nearly 30 real estate books over the last 2 years, this is by far one of my favorites. The spreadsheet analysis example given on page 56 of the book is invaluable to any real estate investor in my opinion. As I write, I am currently looking at a quadraplex. With Matt's spreadsheet analysis I am able to accurately predict if the property makes money!! And as an added bonus, the author is a class act and true professional. He even answered an important real estate question for me. What more could you want!!!!!

Todd Veeck...

The title, while geared to make sales, should have tipped me off as being preposterous. His premise, taken from his title and the cover caption ("Quit your day job and become a millionaire property owner!"), is that within two years you can make a million and have enough cash flow to replace your current income from your job. But it seems obvious that he didn't do this himself, for number of reasons.

First, I noticed that while he appears to give a track record and timeline for his own "success," his "disclosure" of deals consummated doesn't give: a) the purchase price; b) the cash flow generated by each property acquired; c) the terms of the deal (i.e., interest rate, amortization period, balloons, down payment); or d) his job income that he is supposedly "replacing." For a book with a title like this, what possible reason can there be for these glaring omissions other than that such disclosures would reveal that he didn't do it himself!

Second, there's not a shred of evidence, or even claim, that his net worth was or is a million dollars! In fact, the evidence suggests just the opposite. On page 32 he states that the "value" of his properties owned (unverifiable since he never gives purchase prices) is $1.8 million. Even if he had 35% equity in his properties, which is unlikely, his paper net worth would still only be $630,000.

Third, he conveniently begins his "two year" tracking after the refinancing of his first property. He bought his first property, a condo, in 1999 (he doesn't say what month) for $200,000. He refinances his condo and buys his first "investment" property (a triplex) in the summer of 2002. He notes on p. 21 that his condo had appreciated to a whopping $365,000 in 2002 (almost doubling in value in two years, thanks to a raging bull real estate market), which allowed him to purchase property #3 (which he calls his second "income producing property"). He follows that pattern with the next two purchases, and then states that "By April 2004, I was generating sufficient after tax cash flow from my rental properties to leave the 9-to-5 world. I accomplished this feat in less than two years..." What should be obvious is that:

1. The clock starts in 1999, when he bought his first property. After all, it was that property that allowed him to access $165,000 in equity to buy the other properties. Had he not had that money, he wouldn't have bought anything. At best, it appears that it took him 5 years (1999-2004) to have sufficient cash flow to leave his job.

2. Since he doesn't say how much he was making from his job, or in cash flow from properties, we don't know whether that's bogus too. While job income is a bit personal, cash flow from properties is not, especially when the premise of your book is predicated on having sufficient cash flow to replace your income.

I'm sorry, but I just don't buy the story.

This is an excellent book. I enjoyed his writing style, as he makes this a good read, in addition to being both entertaining and very informative. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in real
estate investing.

It's the kind of success story any real estate investor hopes for, and author Matthew Martinez says it can, indeed, become your reality. In his book, 2 Years to a Million in Real Estate (McGraw Hill, $21.95), he gives readers a step-by-step guide of vital information to get ahead in real estate. While Martinez doesn't promise overnight success, he does believe, you too, can become a millionaire in just 24 months through real estate investing.
The proof is his track record. Martinez fast-track to success is revealed in his book. He shares how he left his full-time job--director of international business development for an Internet portal and search engine company--and built his career in real estate. His captivating story educates readers on the process of becoming a real estate investor.
Martinez is also the founder of the Boston-based Landlord and Investor Group. He won't tell you the road to becoming a millionaire in real estate is easy. Martinez worked long hours to accumulate his real estate properties, while also holding down his day job. He says keeping your nine-to-five job until you can survive on the income from your rental properties is the safest and smartest way to transition into real estate.
Whether you're a new or an experienced real estate investor, this book will provide you with a healthy dose of knowledge and lessons that can only come from someone who has already traveled the path to building a lucrative career, one property at a time.
From beginning to end, Martinez will coach you through your real estate investments just as though he were going through each one with you. His strategy is clear, concise, and easy to follow. If you're considering a real estate book that tells it like it is, try 2 Years to a Million in Real Estate--it'll give you insight into an activity that's riveting the attention of the country.


By Phoebe Chongchua, author: If the Trash Stinks, TAKE IT OUT!
And contributor in Donald Trump's book, THE BEST REAL ESTATE ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED.

Like any professional, you have to have your tools. I'm just now beginning to build my toolbox and this book is going to be with me for a long time. Matt is definitely aggressive in his approach, so I think if you follow his plan to the point you'll be on your way quickly. I'm going to take it a little slower, but like I said I'm new to the game. After reading this book you'll want to buy immediately - definitely gets you pumped up.

2 Years to a Million in Real Estate by Matt Martinez is a great book for any real estate investor looking to buy their first rental property as well as more seasoned investors looking to grow their portfolio. This book not only describes how Matt made the jump working day in and day out at a Technology Firm to complete Financial Independence, he also tells you how you can do it and what to look out for! Great book that leaves me excited and pumped up to go and acquire more properties!!
Thanks Matt!

PS: When is your next Book coming out? :^)

In a world of books on real estate - this one is a must have in your reference library. Well written and easy to understand; Matt takes you on an easy to understand journey that from the outset might seem intimidating but is really very doable.

Mr Martinez's book on how to be successful in real estate does a great job of presenting a soup to nuts view of what you need to do to get started in real estate. The author does a very good job of presenting his journey as clear and simple as possible while ensuring to also provide a realistic view of the risks and pitfalls of real estate that he encountered along the way to his current success. I recommend this book for anyone who is just startingout or as a refresher to the novice such as myself who has just recently entered the exciting world of real estate.

This book tell the author's own real life experience in two years from 2002 to make his way from an employee to a real estate investor. He shares his own lessons and experience, and knowledge to start from a small multifamily real estate.

By reading the author's real life success story, I believe his strategies really and still work today. Though the real estate market is becoming cool down, at a buyer's market, there will be more deals come. From long term, investments in multifamily can lead you to be a millionaire for sure.

The author told us in his book, everyone who sold his apartment in Boston area in the past 40 years, will feel regret if he know how much his properties worth today.

I'm living in Boston area, same as the author, and I'm going to follow his way.

being a real eatate investor in South Africa, i picked up a copy of this book in the usa while on business there. I read it when i got back and i found it to be very informative. Most of Mathews advice in the book i have already been using for years, but I learnt alot of new things from him that will undoubtedly improve the day to day running of my properties. For the person that is thinking of getting into the property game "THIS BOOK IS VITAL". This book is written in a way that anyone can understand, even a South African that is accustomed to his own unique South African property terminology.

A great read and thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge with others.

Thanks Matt


Regards



Victor Lopes

Thought I'd get a bit of advice on the present situation in the real estate market. Author touched on it briefly in one of his latter chapters. I did notice that his 3 first deals, in which he said he made his million, were noticably scant on financials. I would recommend however, "The unofficial guide to real estate investing" A much better buy.
Mike

This book has really opened my eyes to the possibilities in real estate investing. With the knowledge in this book, not only will you have the base knowledge to go out there and get your feet wet in investing but it will motivate you and show you a possible light at the end of the tunnel.

highly recommended!

Best,

Ryan
San Diego, CA

A very enjoyable read for the seasoned investor exploring different areas of investing in real estate and using OPM