16 Must-Read Books on Real Estate, Business, and Personal Growth

by Ryan Gravel

When you come across a great book, it can significantly impact your life for the better. Whether it be personal or for business or any other area in your life. There are quite a few books that have made a profound difference in my life. They’ve inspired some of my business ideas and taught me some skills to make those ideas a reality.

In no particular order, these are some of the books that have helped shaped my life.

1. How to Win Friends & Influence People

This book written by Dale Carnegie, is one of his most read and well-known books. Carnegie’s communication style makes his work relatable and easy to follow. Not only does he provide wisdom for professionals in business, he also helps readers improve their speaking and presentation skills. The advice he gives is both actionable and pragmatic.

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Yet another highly acclaimed and frequently read book by the masses. Stephen Covey wrote this eye-opening piece of work to provide readers with solutions to their personal and professional woes. Some of his principles center around integrity, fairness, service and human dignity. He gives tips on how to shift your thinking that can help you develop a more positive attitude and mindset. Definitely a must read!

3. Pitch Anything

Written by Oren Klaff, this book includes a wealth of information on human psychology, motivation and how to create a winning pitch. Oren describes pitching as a science, rather than an art form. He provides a “formula” that can help people make more money, improve their sales numbers, improve their career and life. More than a book on “selling” it equips readers with the tools to be an effective negotiator and undeniably persuasive.

4. Linchpin

From the author Seth Godin, this book helps remind you that the answers you desire are right in front of you. Many of Godin’s fans loved his book because of how much their perspectives changed, for the better. He reminds readers how important it is to be indispensable and to provide value that makes them irreplaceable. By putting this mentality forward, your life can be forever changed.

5. Think and Grow Rich

A timeless classic written by Napoleon Hill, the book Think and Grow Rich is recognized by many as the greatest book on the topic of success. Using decades of research, and drawing on his own personal experience, Hill shared the principles and habits of the worlds most successful people. It’s one of the best-selling books of all time, I can’t recommend this book enough.

6. The Power of a Positive No

As we take on more responsibility and find ourselves in complex situations, the need to say “no” increases. This book can teach you how to say “no” without destroying friendships. It can also empower you to stand up for what you truly believe in by being direct with colleagues, family members, and friends.

The author of this book, William Ury outlines his framework and provides practical examples for readers to apply in their own lives. The framework includes advice on turning people down without putting them down. Many people, including myself, have had marvelous success when applying his theories in real life situations.

7. The Richest Man in Babylon

If you have a career or background in personal finance or real estate, you might have heard about this book. It’s recommended all the time by professionals in these fields. The book is a short read and covers the topics of personal wealth, financial planning, and how to be thrifty. The book was written by George S. Clason, who inspired countless people as well as myself to make some personal finance changes.

8. Feel the Fear… and Do it Anyway

One of the most classic books on the subject of self-empowerment. Hailed as a book that everyone should read, author Susan Jeffers explains how to overcome fear and create more meaning in your life. Jeffers encourages and guides readers on how to push through difficulties and get things done.

9. Steve Jobs

For anyone who enjoys autobiographies, this book chronicling the life of Steve Jobs, is a must-read. More than forty interviews were conducted over a two year period by close friends, colleagues, supporters, and competitors to tell the in-depth story of the man behind one of the most successful companies in the world. Walter Isaacson tells the story of Steve Jobs in a very candid and personal manner.

10. Rich Dad Poor Dad

Written more than 20 years ago, Rich Dad Poor Dad by the infamous Robert Kiyosaki, has become the number one personal finance book of all time. Even more than a personal finance book, the teachings within encouraged many readers towards real estate investing. Furthermore, the book inspired generations of new entrepreneurs. This book belongs in every real estate professional, business owner, and entrepreneurs personal library.

11. The ABCs of Real Estate Investing

For investors who wish to learn the basics of real estate investing, this book written by Ken McElroy is for you. It’s an enjoyable and eye-opening book that teaches readers how to achieve wealth and cash flow through real estate. McElroy is an incredible writer who can articulate complex subjects into an easy to comprehend fashion. Great book for those interested in purchasing rental property investments the right way.

12. The Total Money Makeover

Interested in learning the ins-and-outs of money management? From paying down debt of all forms, to toning up your budget, to saving a nest egg for emergencies - Dave Ramsey, walks you through it all. It’s one of the best books on personal finance and wealth management told through the lens of an engaging writer and expert on the subject matter.

13. The E-Myth Real Estate Investor

This book will teach you how to turn your real estate investment business into a highly successful, self-sufficient and growing business. Michael Gerber provides you a roadmap to help take your business to new heights. The insights he offers in his book have changed the way many small businesses operate. Good read for novice and veteran investors alike.

13. The E-Myth Real Estate Investor

This book will teach you how to turn your real estate investment business into a highly successful, self-sufficient and growing business. Michael Gerber provides you a roadmap to help take your business to new heights. The insights he offers in his book have changed the way many small businesses operate. Good read for novice and veteran investors alike.

14. The One Thing

Gary Keller and Jay Papasan wrote this book to offer readers a new way to look at work. Rather than taking on a few or many tasks at once, the book helps you focus on one singular task at a time. It’s not possible to do everything at once. We must choose what requires our attention most, and focus on that one thing. This intentional focus can strengthen our finances, expand our viewpoints on life, build our careers, and even improve our friendships and marriage.

15. The 4-Hour Work Week

Throwing conventional career advice out the window, Tim Ferriss teaches that it’s possible to escape the rat race and make more money working less hours. His best selling book, The 4-Hour Work Week, is a blueprint for eliminating clutter and busy work by working smarter, not harder. The book has been largely responsible for many lifestyle design concepts, such as working remotely, while living internationally.

16. Necessary Endings

This book from Henry Cloud suggests ways to improve what’s broken and no longer working in our lives and our businesses. He provides critical insight on how you can achieve personal and professional growth. Some of his advice revolves around making the tough decisions needed to propel us towards more successful lives.

His wisdom, encouragement and compassion comes through in his writing to help anyone out of a tough situation. After reading Necessary Endings, you may just get the fresh new start you were hoping for.