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Dirt Rich: How One Ambitiously Lazy Geek Created Passive Income in Real Estate Without Renters, Renovations, and Rehabs
Real estate investment is nothing new, but attaining financial freedom through property without ever having to deal with the headaches of renters, renovations, or rodents isn’t something you hear about every day. Yet with Mark Podolsky’s tried-and-true technique of raw land investment, you can become Dirt Rich without ever having to battle with a tenant, toilet, or termite. In this step-by-step guide, Mark breaks down his “ultimate subscription model” for creating passive income through the niche of raw land investment. Featuring details on common pitfalls, tips on cultivating an investor’s mind, and advice on working smart instead of hard, this handbook will show you how to obtain a life of fiscal independence, with the flexibility to work where you want, when you want, and with whom you want. Financial freedom is within your reach. It’s time to make your dreams a reality by starting to think dirty.
200 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2018
385 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 10, 2020
Good introductory book to land flipping. Can’t give over three stars as the author seems to withhold some information in order to persuade the reader to purchase one of the training programs. There are also grammar errors...
October 14, 2020
Too salesy and filled with fluff. Watch the land geek YouTube videos for two minutes and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
October 16, 2020
Useful Infomercial
As you’ll find in a fair number of these books, you get some basic info on the topic as the author soft sells other services related to the topic. This is no different. You get enough here to whet the appetite, and you can certainly do the work to get there without the upsell. The book and topic is well written and useful. You get some useful ideas and tips. Worth checking out.
As you’ll find in a fair number of these books, you get some basic info on the topic as the author soft sells other services related to the topic. This is no different. You get enough here to whet the appetite, and you can certainly do the work to get there without the upsell. The book and topic is well written and useful. You get some useful ideas and tips. Worth checking out.
January 5, 2024
This book was great. Honestly gave me a whole new lens into potential passive income in the real estate business.
The premise is to find distressed buyers, buy their unimproved land for less (much less preferably) than market value, and either sell the land immediately as a wholesaler (not so interesting), or owner financing the land to someone else insuring a steady stream of passive income (very interesting to me).
This book gets more and more annoying as it goes on, as it turns more and more into a pamphlet to buy his expensive online content, but it was a good entryway into a field of knowledge that I was pretty ignorant on. I bought this book to start researching how to evaluate land effectively... didn't really offer any great details there, as he is not concerned with really evaluating the land as much as sending out offers so low that you don't really have to evaluate intensely.
With all that said, I learned a lot and am thankful for Podolsky sharing some of his knowledge.
The premise is to find distressed buyers, buy their unimproved land for less (much less preferably) than market value, and either sell the land immediately as a wholesaler (not so interesting), or owner financing the land to someone else insuring a steady stream of passive income (very interesting to me).
This book gets more and more annoying as it goes on, as it turns more and more into a pamphlet to buy his expensive online content, but it was a good entryway into a field of knowledge that I was pretty ignorant on. I bought this book to start researching how to evaluate land effectively... didn't really offer any great details there, as he is not concerned with really evaluating the land as much as sending out offers so low that you don't really have to evaluate intensely.
With all that said, I learned a lot and am thankful for Podolsky sharing some of his knowledge.
September 24, 2018
The means by which Mark Podolsky has created lasting passive income by cash investing and owner financing vacant land is smart, repeatable, and scalable to whatever level each investor finds comfortable. The knowledge is solid, but I found myself wanting more detail on the ways to scale the business in the later chapters. I also had issues with some technical details and found quite a lack of grammatical editing. (Some of which I can get over, other parts I can not.) Overall, solid advice and a great way to invest in real estate without the need to deal with tenants.
March 27, 2021
This is mostly filler and fluff. Although there are a few useful concepts, there is insufficient detail to take action unless the action is to pay the author for his service (which is advertised throughout the book). This could easily have been a 3-5 page monograph and conveyed all the ideas and still had room for a full-page ad for the author.
May 22, 2023
Interesting concepts. Lacks detail to really start this yourself so the downside is you'll probably have to pay for being coached or become his student. Easy read. I actually enjoyed his personal stories the most.
September 8, 2020
Great intro to land investing
While it is true that you won’t get letters, forms, etc. within the text of the book itself, there really is a lot of meat here. If you are motivated, I believe you can take this book and essentially be off to the races. There is a lot of information given for the entry price here! Much appreciated.
While it is true that you won’t get letters, forms, etc. within the text of the book itself, there really is a lot of meat here. If you are motivated, I believe you can take this book and essentially be off to the races. There is a lot of information given for the entry price here! Much appreciated.
November 17, 2023
Things to know before reading this program-feeder book
Dirt Rich is an interesting book that has some fairly serious issues, as the book itself is not a complete product and despite the title and marketing, you don't get to learn the whole system here, it's a paid program-feeder text, which makes it a frustrating read. I've noticed it being advertised on social media sites, so I figure it was time to review the book.
To start, you get the normal "I was a wage slave" chapters where we learn about how the author discovered his secret method and by some superhuman ability could grasp the system from the claws of annihilation to bring this knowledge to you, dear reader, who are holding the book. Lucky you!
From here, we get a lot of "will cover in later chapters" comments and discussion, as well as dancing around the ideas presented. And this is where things kind of fall a bit. The links to various websites in the book almost all go to blank pages or domain hosting websites... this seems like a pretty easy fix, but the book is five years old at this point. The most glaring issue is that he suggests using Craigslist for marketing properties, which is not something anyone would likely say today.
But now that the bait is on the hook, we get to the meat of the book. The author has a program he sells and any templates he uses are behind a registration wall. The book is simply a feeder for his program and paid website. So literally, if you just are looking for the template for mailing, good luck, you need to register and end up his mailing lists and if you want to 'really' understand the 'program' you need to pay up.
It seems silly that the author would lock up his system behind a paywall. He has built up several services around this, each of which could be their own profitable company. You would think he would just charge service fees for those and bring in as many people as possible.
The system itself is good, but it's not passive. Vanguard Index funds are passive, this is a lot of work. A lot of potential issues are glossed over as well, specifically taxes, negotiation, legal issues, zoning and so many details about property that I can't even begin to start. He says you can sell any piece of land, and that is true, but it's also a distraction from potential pitfalls that could mire up and gum up the works of someone new to land purchases.
Dirt Rich is an interesting book that has some fairly serious issues, as the book itself is not a complete product and despite the title and marketing, you don't get to learn the whole system here, it's a paid program-feeder text, which makes it a frustrating read. I've noticed it being advertised on social media sites, so I figure it was time to review the book.
To start, you get the normal "I was a wage slave" chapters where we learn about how the author discovered his secret method and by some superhuman ability could grasp the system from the claws of annihilation to bring this knowledge to you, dear reader, who are holding the book. Lucky you!
From here, we get a lot of "will cover in later chapters" comments and discussion, as well as dancing around the ideas presented. And this is where things kind of fall a bit. The links to various websites in the book almost all go to blank pages or domain hosting websites... this seems like a pretty easy fix, but the book is five years old at this point. The most glaring issue is that he suggests using Craigslist for marketing properties, which is not something anyone would likely say today.
But now that the bait is on the hook, we get to the meat of the book. The author has a program he sells and any templates he uses are behind a registration wall. The book is simply a feeder for his program and paid website. So literally, if you just are looking for the template for mailing, good luck, you need to register and end up his mailing lists and if you want to 'really' understand the 'program' you need to pay up.
It seems silly that the author would lock up his system behind a paywall. He has built up several services around this, each of which could be their own profitable company. You would think he would just charge service fees for those and bring in as many people as possible.
The system itself is good, but it's not passive. Vanguard Index funds are passive, this is a lot of work. A lot of potential issues are glossed over as well, specifically taxes, negotiation, legal issues, zoning and so many details about property that I can't even begin to start. He says you can sell any piece of land, and that is true, but it's also a distraction from potential pitfalls that could mire up and gum up the works of someone new to land purchases.
June 8, 2022
70 pages in and the guy is still saying how he’s going to show me stuff. Like it’s just a long drawn out sales presentation with no substance. He introduced interesting topics that have gotten me excited about land investing but I didn’t need to buy a book. I couldn’t gotten a slightly long email and then signed up at his website. I won’t be finishing it since other reviews show that it doesn’t get any better. I’ll check out the website and many other websites with land investing but I’m probably not going to pay any of his fees since I already paid for this “book. “ lots of grammatical mistakes and misspellings. Could’ve used a better editor with all the money he’s supposedly made in land investing.
November 8, 2022
Simple to understand and implement
The amazing part of this book is that if I follow what he has done through this book, I am able to build a better life. The hard part is to have the faith to see it through. Thank you for a great book that will lead !e to be able to pay for many things but most importantly to pay for a surgery that will literally save my life (I have a charity malformation). Thanks for reawakening a dream and the ability to get there...
The amazing part of this book is that if I follow what he has done through this book, I am able to build a better life. The hard part is to have the faith to see it through. Thank you for a great book that will lead !e to be able to pay for many things but most importantly to pay for a surgery that will literally save my life (I have a charity malformation). Thanks for reawakening a dream and the ability to get there...
February 7, 2023
Great Book!
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure about giving it a chance because I’ve read many books with fluff and sales pitches only that I couldn’t really get started with. While there are references to the authors program/system, it was well balanced! I feel that there’s enough meat and potatoes of this business model for me to actually get started on my own. I’m a beginner and I do not feel like this author wasted my time like I do with so many other authors.
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure about giving it a chance because I’ve read many books with fluff and sales pitches only that I couldn’t really get started with. While there are references to the authors program/system, it was well balanced! I feel that there’s enough meat and potatoes of this business model for me to actually get started on my own. I’m a beginner and I do not feel like this author wasted my time like I do with so many other authors.
June 28, 2024
I always appreciate hearing people’s stories on how they found their passion & developed into an Entrepreneur. The author provides a lot of insight to buying & selling land. Parts of the book feel a touch sales-y, but there was enough value in the book itself to finish the read. Great information for anyone considering buying land or enjoy reading others professional journeys.
November 1, 2024
Great Book, well written
This book provided well rounded information about land investment. Very thorough and well written. Information was clear and easy to understand even for persons with no previous knowledge or experience in land investment. Book was encouraging as well. I'm definitely motivated and looking forward to getting started with land investment as a business.
This book provided well rounded information about land investment. Very thorough and well written. Information was clear and easy to understand even for persons with no previous knowledge or experience in land investment. Book was encouraging as well. I'm definitely motivated and looking forward to getting started with land investment as a business.
March 24, 2025
This is a sales pitch for his real estate system wherein thousands of dreamy followers trade worthless parcels of desert in the Western United States. You too can spend as much as you want paying for his mailing services, lead services etc, and stock up on worthless parcels for mere hundreds a piece.
July 11, 2018
Great Advice
In review of this book I'd say that Podolsky provided great advice. You can do further research and reference his workflow process to see that he provides valuable pointers.
In review of this book I'd say that Podolsky provided great advice. You can do further research and reference his workflow process to see that he provides valuable pointers.
September 28, 2019
Surprisingly good book for general business principles. I found myself highlighting sections because of their overall impact. He focuses on tax-delinquent lists, which can be an option. LandAcademy from Jill DeWitt and Stephen Butella was a great follow up.
February 26, 2022
Good Overview
So yeah it is definitely a book used for to buy his online class, but he also gives you enough details to start doing his method on your own. It lacks the finer details, but the overview of the method is fairly completely.
So yeah it is definitely a book used for to buy his online class, but he also gives you enough details to start doing his method on your own. It lacks the finer details, but the overview of the method is fairly completely.
March 15, 2023
Good Information
The book is filled with useful information and concepts. It does sever somewhat as an introduction to a land flipping course (up sale). I believe there is enough info in the book alone to get you started.
The book is filled with useful information and concepts. It does sever somewhat as an introduction to a land flipping course (up sale). I believe there is enough info in the book alone to get you started.
March 21, 2023
Straightforward and illuminating; the author is generous with the tips, much appreciated. It is all about the systems. Land seems like a much lower barrier to entry than other real estate ventures. Eager to translate the simple tips into sizable passive income. Let Freedom Ring!
July 2, 2023
Exciting, fun, and inspiring
I’ve read a lot of “get rich in real estate” books and spent many thousands on courses, yet this book is by far the most innovative and simple concept it borderlines ok profound. Something simple is better.
I’ve read a lot of “get rich in real estate” books and spent many thousands on courses, yet this book is by far the most innovative and simple concept it borderlines ok profound. Something simple is better.
July 10, 2023
To the point
Simple and to the point. Obviously, there were some details left out and it’s a pitch for a coaching program. But it’s a fun read and causes you to want to consider land as the asset to have in real estate investing.
Simple and to the point. Obviously, there were some details left out and it’s a pitch for a coaching program. But it’s a fun read and causes you to want to consider land as the asset to have in real estate investing.
September 12, 2023
A Good Overview of the Business
There are several online ebusiness models out there. This one may be for you. It's worth reading this book if you are interested in the premise of buying and selling raw land.
There are several online ebusiness models out there. This one may be for you. It's worth reading this book if you are interested in the premise of buying and selling raw land.
October 11, 2024
Fantastic
Well written with a great flow of clearly defined steps mixed with personal experienced nuances to help paint a picture of what the future can look like if you apply the knowledge taught in the book!
Well written with a great flow of clearly defined steps mixed with personal experienced nuances to help paint a picture of what the future can look like if you apply the knowledge taught in the book!
June 14, 2025
once read..now to study, again later to learn
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to applying and sharing the knowledge so I can learn it even more.
Now to read it with a notebook and prepare for the exam that is life.
Look forward to giving it a shot and a flip..
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to applying and sharing the knowledge so I can learn it even more.
Now to read it with a notebook and prepare for the exam that is life.
Look forward to giving it a shot and a flip..
July 2, 2018
Simple and easy to understand
Very simple step by step how to get started on land investing, perfect for people like me that are looking for new ways to be financially free.
Very simple step by step how to get started on land investing, perfect for people like me that are looking for new ways to be financially free.
December 17, 2019
This book opened my mind to an unknown resource of Land Investing, and I'm glad I picked this book. Now I find myself wanting to learn more on the subject.
Read
March 3, 2021Detailed book with good websites and resources. Author is promoting his Land Real Estate Program: www.thelandgeek.com/dirtrich Free Facebook Group: The Official Land Geek & Motivation Group
September 7, 2021
This book could have been a 6 page white paper. Good nuggets in this book but lots of filler and literal white space on the pages.
October 3, 2021
Excellent read
The process of land investing is distilled into very understandable and humorous bits. I will likely start investing after reading this book.
The process of land investing is distilled into very understandable and humorous bits. I will likely start investing after reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews