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One Rental At A Time: The Journey to Financial Independence through Real Estate
Have you ever thought about real estate investing as a path to financial freedom? Have you kicked around the idea but felt you were too busy with work and family responsibilities?If so, One Rental at a Time will transform your life, just as it has transformed my life and the lives of thousands of others.This book reveals how buying and holding rental properties will create a second income that can, in time, allow you to quit your day job. It worked for me and it can work for you too. What's stopping you? Read the book and learn how One Rental at a Time can lead to financial independence.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 24, 2020
Good read
I liked it in general. The author is right there are not any books out there (would love recs if there are) that detail a fully employed persons journey to building a real estate portfolio and not doing it by leaping into syndication or something. My dislikes here were simple - there are a lot of people that did really well buying in the 2008 recession. It’s apparent to me in reading these stories that they did all the right things but a huge deal of their success came buying in 2009-2012. This all sort of got glossed over - what I mean is the book could have gone much deeper into the nuts and bolts of how they scaled, how they made banking relationships, how they actually managed their W-2 through this time in perhaps more detail to continue investing. I was left feeling like we did not go deep enough basically.
But the authors right - this sort of book should exist. And they’ve done some impressive stuff!
I liked it in general. The author is right there are not any books out there (would love recs if there are) that detail a fully employed persons journey to building a real estate portfolio and not doing it by leaping into syndication or something. My dislikes here were simple - there are a lot of people that did really well buying in the 2008 recession. It’s apparent to me in reading these stories that they did all the right things but a huge deal of their success came buying in 2009-2012. This all sort of got glossed over - what I mean is the book could have gone much deeper into the nuts and bolts of how they scaled, how they made banking relationships, how they actually managed their W-2 through this time in perhaps more detail to continue investing. I was left feeling like we did not go deep enough basically.
But the authors right - this sort of book should exist. And they’ve done some impressive stuff!
February 5, 2020
More of a story than a direct how-to
I appreciate the author spending the time to tell this story. You can tell it was a labor of love. It also gives those who are just starting a realistic possibility with specifics along the journey. That said I had hope for more how-to. It's possible I'm just wanting to make things more complicated than what the author has portrayed or maybe this was meant to drive me to his website. If so he was successful!
I appreciate the author spending the time to tell this story. You can tell it was a labor of love. It also gives those who are just starting a realistic possibility with specifics along the journey. That said I had hope for more how-to. It's possible I'm just wanting to make things more complicated than what the author has portrayed or maybe this was meant to drive me to his website. If so he was successful!
February 3, 2026
Didn't go in as much depth as I thought
August 21, 2020
This book was great! It made me rethink a few key aspects of rental property investing.
In particular, it made me realize I've been considering too many markets. Instead of 6 states, I should choose a county, or a few adjacent zip codes, and really go deep in that one market.
It also highlighted that turnkey properties are better, especially early on. Finally, it made me less afraid to browse the MLS - just go dig into it and monitor it daily.
Michael Zuber's path is one that appeals to me, and has for quite some time. I'll probably follow his advice, and he seems to want to mentor folks, so maybe I'll reach out to him. We shall see.
In particular, it made me realize I've been considering too many markets. Instead of 6 states, I should choose a county, or a few adjacent zip codes, and really go deep in that one market.
It also highlighted that turnkey properties are better, especially early on. Finally, it made me less afraid to browse the MLS - just go dig into it and monitor it daily.
Michael Zuber's path is one that appeals to me, and has for quite some time. I'll probably follow his advice, and he seems to want to mentor folks, so maybe I'll reach out to him. We shall see.
January 10, 2023
I really like the concept of one rental at a time and the power of getting to 4 properties but this book has little actionable info. There were a lot of general pages about buying properties, scaling up (easier to do during the biggest housing crash in generations). The potential for a really good book to help newbies get started and focus on getting to 4 was there but the actual delivery was not. Missed opportunity. The author also comes across as extremely arrogant - also true if you watch his YouTube channel - which is off-putting.
January 19, 2022
One Rental At a Time was one of my more favorite real estate books as of late for a few reasons, the first reason being how genuinely nice Michael Zuber seems to be. He’s a regular guy who wrote an honest book about his and his wife’s experience going from 9-5 employees to retiring early off of a portfolio of cash-flowing real estate.
The book was a quick read, partly because of its short length, and partly because of the simplistic nature of the writing. You can tell that Zuber is a novice author, and he even acknowledges it multiple times talking about how the writing of this book was part of his efforts to fill his early retirement time in 2018.
The one thing I can understand some readers being frustrated over is the fact that his success story stretches across the two decades in which investing in real estate have been the easiest it has ever been — including the great real estate crash of 2008. Sure, be mad about it all you want. Maybe you were too young to start investing. Maybe you were part of the masses of unlucky people not producing a strong enough income to partake in the rebuild of todays real estate market. I think the authors point here, and the bigger picture, is that regardless of what real estate cycle we are in at any given point in time, it’s critical to stay engaged and involved in the market. Without doing so, it’s almost certain we will miss a deal that could forever change our lives. Opportunity is everywhere, we are often too lazy or paralyzed in fear to take action.
Overall, this book, in my eyes, can be labeled as inspiring, insightful, and a very good first step Zuber has taken into being a prominent voice in the real estate industry. I’m a fan of some of the latter ideas and programs he has developed and discussed towards the end of this book. I definitely recommend reading this book!
The book was a quick read, partly because of its short length, and partly because of the simplistic nature of the writing. You can tell that Zuber is a novice author, and he even acknowledges it multiple times talking about how the writing of this book was part of his efforts to fill his early retirement time in 2018.
The one thing I can understand some readers being frustrated over is the fact that his success story stretches across the two decades in which investing in real estate have been the easiest it has ever been — including the great real estate crash of 2008. Sure, be mad about it all you want. Maybe you were too young to start investing. Maybe you were part of the masses of unlucky people not producing a strong enough income to partake in the rebuild of todays real estate market. I think the authors point here, and the bigger picture, is that regardless of what real estate cycle we are in at any given point in time, it’s critical to stay engaged and involved in the market. Without doing so, it’s almost certain we will miss a deal that could forever change our lives. Opportunity is everywhere, we are often too lazy or paralyzed in fear to take action.
Overall, this book, in my eyes, can be labeled as inspiring, insightful, and a very good first step Zuber has taken into being a prominent voice in the real estate industry. I’m a fan of some of the latter ideas and programs he has developed and discussed towards the end of this book. I definitely recommend reading this book!
August 20, 2023
I appreciated this book because the author seems a lot more like me than many I have read. When he and his wife started buying properties, they bought one at a time. As they got more money, they bought more. The decisions they made worked out well and they built a healthy portfolio over time. However, it took time. Typically when I listen to podcasts, you find someone who bought 20 properties in one year, and I always wonder how they are able to pull it off. Typically it seems like they have a wealthy partner going in with them. I don't have that. In this book, I saw someone who is a little bit more like me, and I learned a little bit more from his example about strategies to invest in a situation similar to my own.
The author is a little bit scattered, and this book could offer a little bit more depth in many places. However, as an autobiographical account of an ordinary real estate investor, I did enjoy reading this book.
The author is a little bit scattered, and this book could offer a little bit more depth in many places. However, as an autobiographical account of an ordinary real estate investor, I did enjoy reading this book.
October 9, 2024
This is a good book to read if you are wanting a personal experience for Real Estate Investing. He gives some good advice on what took them from one rental to over 170 rental units. I appreciate his advice when it comes to being conservative in some of your approach, and spending the time to make sure your numbers work. I feel like too many people on social media are selling the fast approach, which can lead to risks I'm not willing or ready to take. So making sure a property has some cash flow, and can cover unexpected expenses, instead of being a liability every month even if "now" you can cover the little over you may be on the price. It's a good read for those interested in rentals, but I'd also recommend looking at multiple books. It's older now, so more up to date information would be useful.
February 11, 2026
Zuber clearly illustrates how he built his wealth and obtained financial freedom through real estate. I think this is a book for beginners who desire an understanding of real estate investing and how powerful it can be over time. Since I listen to Zuber on a weekly basis, most of the book material was a regurgitation of the content on his Youtube channel. This is not a knock on the book, but rather demonstrating that the book provides more insight to those who are not acclimated with Zuber's content. The book could also be updated, as it was released in 2019 and Zuber's opinions on some topics have changed.
May 24, 2024
Overall a very good book for the “normal person” looking to begin building a portfolio of rental properties. It’s not a crazy Get Rich Quick or “leverage, leverage, leverage!” book. It doesn’t require you buying a course. It’s a simple and effective way to acquire rental properties.
While I’m not sure we will follow it to the letter, I’d say 80% is relevant to us. (We do have an alligator- it’s negative $19 a month and rents will go up, so I’m not going to up and sell it next week).
I like that he touches on owner finance and discusses flips and how much time they take.
While I’m not sure we will follow it to the letter, I’d say 80% is relevant to us. (We do have an alligator- it’s negative $19 a month and rents will go up, so I’m not going to up and sell it next week).
I like that he touches on owner finance and discusses flips and how much time they take.
June 11, 2025
This is basically Michael's diary, complete with typos, where he walks you through his real estate journey then quickly starts writing down his own goals and wondering out loud what he should do next. There were some useful tidbits in here for real estate investors. I did appreciate the part where he talked about retiring early and what that journey was like. That rang true as I did the same thing recently. I hope he gets a good editor for the second edition because I think there's some usefulness here buried under a meandering story.
February 15, 2019
A perspective that makes sense!
A book that is written in a concise manner to highlight several points or philosophies from Michael's own experience - not a long running self applauding "look how great I am" tomb.
An honest approach to a long term goal in an up front and tell it like it is manner -that's refreshing!
Makes me ask myself some tough questions and should do the same for any that read this book!
Valuable resource for any direction you ultimately decide to go!
A book that is written in a concise manner to highlight several points or philosophies from Michael's own experience - not a long running self applauding "look how great I am" tomb.
An honest approach to a long term goal in an up front and tell it like it is manner -that's refreshing!
Makes me ask myself some tough questions and should do the same for any that read this book!
Valuable resource for any direction you ultimately decide to go!
December 1, 2020
This wasn't your average real estate investing book. The author provided a more practical/slow and steady investment approach versus the typical buy 100 properties in two weeks. This book provides plenty of tips for the part-time investor to be able to manage a full-time job while investing in real estate creating a path to financial freedom.
I've read many real estate investment books but very few speak about the time commitment it would take for flipping and if it's feasible while working full-time. Last but not least, he spoke on the importance of ensuring you have the full support of your partner during this real estate investing journey.
Plenty of tips and actionable steps for beginners and even the full-time investors.
I've read many real estate investment books but very few speak about the time commitment it would take for flipping and if it's feasible while working full-time. Last but not least, he spoke on the importance of ensuring you have the full support of your partner during this real estate investing journey.
Plenty of tips and actionable steps for beginners and even the full-time investors.
February 22, 2021
Good starter
It’s a great read for getting started, but I wish there were graphs in the book and maybe some formulas. I did google how to calculate yield but it would have been nice if it had been in the book. Also I’m unsure about what to
Use for my excel spreadsheet. What columns should there be for sure? I’m very new and trying to do my due diligence. But overall it was a great read and pretty darn helpful!
It’s a great read for getting started, but I wish there were graphs in the book and maybe some formulas. I did google how to calculate yield but it would have been nice if it had been in the book. Also I’m unsure about what to
Use for my excel spreadsheet. What columns should there be for sure? I’m very new and trying to do my due diligence. But overall it was a great read and pretty darn helpful!
July 7, 2021
Excellent beginners book for those curious about real estate investments.
Good points presented for beginners on real estate investment. I did almost exactly what the author did but stayed out at 4-5 properties at most and eventually sold out the 5th and stay at 4. Done this cycle twice. Luckily sold them all before the 2007 crash and re-entered in 2017. No regrets. Basically, his plan works because we've done it for a while now.
Good points presented for beginners on real estate investment. I did almost exactly what the author did but stayed out at 4-5 properties at most and eventually sold out the 5th and stay at 4. Done this cycle twice. Luckily sold them all before the 2007 crash and re-entered in 2017. No regrets. Basically, his plan works because we've done it for a while now.
February 16, 2022
This book was gifted by a very kind couple my husband and I met at a real estate meet up. My husband is super interested in joining the real estate market but my lack of knowledge and fears really have held us back. This book was so helpful as it encourages a more conservative way of investing in real estate. This has turned me from fearful to excited! Highly recommended for anyone who wants examples and advice on investing in real estate for the long run!
May 4, 2024
Interesting to hear how Michael became financially independent through purchasing real estate properties. Something that stood out was how he used the 1031 exchange to put the houses he owned into more expensive small apartment buildings and thus increase his cash flow.
Quick and easy read. Most of the book is just him sharing his story buy he does give good advice and good things to think about when it comes to becoming a successful real estate investor.
Quick and easy read. Most of the book is just him sharing his story buy he does give good advice and good things to think about when it comes to becoming a successful real estate investor.
February 24, 2025
Simple but nice book where the author shares the story of he and his wife's journey into real estate investing. Good book for someone to read who wants to get in to real estate. Could've expressed more though how their method, as good as it was, was extremely dependent on the market doing what it did. Reminds me of a quote I really like which says "luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
January 5, 2020
If you’re working full time and have aspirations...
All I know is that as a beginner investor that has a full time job you look for a book like this to give you some insight and somewhat of a blueprint and guess what all the references cited in the book still are up and running!!!! Unlike a lot of the other books I’ve read...enjoy and God Speed.
All I know is that as a beginner investor that has a full time job you look for a book like this to give you some insight and somewhat of a blueprint and guess what all the references cited in the book still are up and running!!!! Unlike a lot of the other books I’ve read...enjoy and God Speed.
July 5, 2021
It is very encouraging to read about one person's real estate journey, warts and all. Very educational about buying single family and small multifamily rental properties. Recommended for everyone new to the world of real estate and looking for a mentor, or just want to read about someone who they can look up to as a good example of someone who is a successful investor.
December 4, 2021
Realistic 30,000 ft view of becoming a landlord
This book hit me on so many levels and has been a more realistic view and approach to real estate investing and becoming a landlord. Many real life examples and 15 years of experience shared. Truthful insight of hard yet patient work can lead to financial freedom. Highly recommend reading and rereading for reference.
This book hit me on so many levels and has been a more realistic view and approach to real estate investing and becoming a landlord. Many real life examples and 15 years of experience shared. Truthful insight of hard yet patient work can lead to financial freedom. Highly recommend reading and rereading for reference.
February 21, 2024
Great inspiration for starting 4 rental properties (as a beginner), taking it up next level after that and building financial independence through the 15-year personal experience of the author and his partner. It has some actionable advice, but wish it had more details on scalability and other tools used.
February 28, 2019
Highly recommend
Great book from a seasoned real estate investor who gives great advice for those seeking financial freedom through real estate investing! I highly recommend this book, especially if you're just getting started.
Great book from a seasoned real estate investor who gives great advice for those seeking financial freedom through real estate investing! I highly recommend this book, especially if you're just getting started.
June 18, 2019
Quality read for beginners
Simple and conservative way to wealth building. Great examples throughout. Boosts confidence of full time employees who want safety and security of real estate investment.
Simple and conservative way to wealth building. Great examples throughout. Boosts confidence of full time employees who want safety and security of real estate investment.
January 1, 2020
Verry usefull book
Very useful book coming from experienced investor
Practical and without academic or theoretical idea and chapters.
Well structured in two parts
First one : the experience
Second part : the guidance
Very useful book coming from experienced investor
Practical and without academic or theoretical idea and chapters.
Well structured in two parts
First one : the experience
Second part : the guidance
March 10, 2020
Enjoyable reading learning experience
I enjoyed this reading. It's always interesting to hear the life experience of another successful individuals.
I like the conservative point of view of the author.
I recommend this book for anyone involved in R.E ,specially beginners.
I enjoyed this reading. It's always interesting to hear the life experience of another successful individuals.
I like the conservative point of view of the author.
I recommend this book for anyone involved in R.E ,specially beginners.
November 17, 2021
Highly Motivating
One Rental At A Time takes you through Michaels journey to financial freedom. Honest and down to earth book that makes you truly believe you can follow in his footsteps.
One Rental At A Time takes you through Michaels journey to financial freedom. Honest and down to earth book that makes you truly believe you can follow in his footsteps.
January 16, 2022
sound advice from someone who made every mistake—and every right move—in the book(literally!). Thanks for a no BS approach.
Thanks for the no BS approach! Not only was this roadmap to get My investing in gear, but it was also very inspirational!
Thanks for the no BS approach! Not only was this roadmap to get My investing in gear, but it was also very inspirational!
May 8, 2022
safer approach than most, needs more detail
Good overview of a solid, safe approach to beginning real estate investing. Also doesn’t gloss over the hard work required like a lot of others. I wish it was less repetitive and instead included more detailed analysis and examples
Good overview of a solid, safe approach to beginning real estate investing. Also doesn’t gloss over the hard work required like a lot of others. I wish it was less repetitive and instead included more detailed analysis and examples
November 26, 2023
This is one of the few real estate investing books with a soul
I have been doing what the author has for 30 years. He is accurate in assessing the market changes and his attitude about leverage is spot on. This is a great reality guide to eliminating your present paycheck.
I have been doing what the author has for 30 years. He is accurate in assessing the market changes and his attitude about leverage is spot on. This is a great reality guide to eliminating your present paycheck.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews