Steve Berges is a real estate investment professional with over 25 years of experience. As Principal of Symphony Homes, he is an active investor specializing in creating value through various real estate mechanisms, including single family houses, multifamily apartment complexes, and the development and construction of single family and condominium housing communities. Berges holds an MBA degree in finance and marketing from Rice University. He is also the author of The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Apartment Buildings and The Complete Guide to Flipping Properties.

How to Buy Rental Properties the Smart Way
Real Estate for the Smart Investor	p. 3
Historical Performance	p. 4
Four Ways to Benefit from Owning Real Estate	p. 5
Economic Housing Outlook for the Coming Decade	p. 7
The Lever and the Fulcrum	p. 10
The Magic of Compound Interest	p. 18
How to Build a $10 Million Retirement Portfolio	p. 21
Selecting Great Rental Houses for the Smart Investor	p. 26
How to Choose the Right Location	p. 27
How to Choose the Right Type of House	p. 28
Physical Condition: Inspecting Is Key	p. 30
How to Determine the Best Price Range for Your Area	p. 35
Eight Ways to Locate Rental Houses for the Smart Investor	p. 37
Classified Advertisements	p. 38
Real Estate Magazines	p. 39
Internet Searches	p. 40
Billboards and Signs	p. 41
Real Estate Agents	p. 42
Scouts	p. 45
Professional Affiliations	p. 47
FSBOs	p. 48
Financial Analysis of Rental Properties	p. 52
Traditional Valuation Methods	p. 54
How Much Rent to Charge Your Tenants	p. 60
How to Analyze Your Rental House Investment	p. 63
Comparable Sales Analysis	p. 67
Cash-Flow Analysis	p. 70
Financing Your Rental Property	p. 80
Financing Terms and Conditions	p. 80
Additional Financing Considerations	p. 91
Loan Documentation Checklist	p. 98
Six Smart Ways to Finance Your Rental Property	p. 101
Real Estate Sales Forms and Closing Documents	p. 113
Real Estate Sales Forms	p. 113
Residential Sales Contract	p. 114
Property Condition Disclosure	p. 124
Third-Party Financing Addendum	p. 125
Loan-Assumption Addendum	p. 125
Seller-Financing Addendum	p. 126
Notice of Termination	p. 127
Closing Documents	p. 127
Title Report	p. 128
Settlement Statement	p. 129
Deed	p. 130
Promissory Note	p. 131
How to Manage Rental Properties the Smart Way
How to Find, Qualify, and Keep Good Tenants	p. 135
How to Find Good Tenants	p. 137
Signage	p. 138
Classified Ads	p. 140
Referrals	p. 142
Locator Service	p. 144
How to Qualify Good Tenants	p. 146
How to Keep Good Tenants	p. 149
The Golden Rule	p. 150
Visibility Adds Value	p. 151
Concentric Circles	p. 153
Lease Agreements for the Smart Investor	p. 158
Residential Lease Agreement	p. 160
Eight Smart Ways to Increase Rents by Making These Improvements	p. 171
Good First Impressions	p. 172
Landscaper's Delight	p. 174
Fancy Fencing	p. 175
Room to Stow	p. 176
Room with a View	p. 177
Flattering Floors	p. 178
Lighting the Way	p. 180
Clean Kitchens	p. 180
How to Decrease Expenses the Smart Way	p. 183
Pass the Buck	p. 184
Hire the Handyman	p. 185
Utilize Utilities	p. 186
A Taxing Matter	p. 187
Dialing for Dollars	p. 188
Management 101	p. 190
How to Manage Tenants the Smart Way	p. 193
Your Role as a Manager	p. 193
How to Collect Rents when They Are Due	p. 195
When and How to Raise Rents	p. 198
How Much to Raise Rents	p. 200
How to Sell Rental Houses the Smart Way
Five Smart Ways to Enhance Your Rental House's Marketability	p. 205
Begin with the End in Mind	p. 206
Maximize Your Exposure	p. 207
Sell What the Buyer Wants	p. 211
Price Your House to Sell	p. 214
Sweeten the Pot	p. 215
Six Smart Ways to Negotiate for the Best Price and Terms	p. 217
Psychology 101	p. 218
Market Knowledge Is Key	p. 221
The Trial Balloon	p. 222
The Blame Game	p. 224
Put It in Writing	p. 227
The Chess Player	p. 229
Five Golden Rules for Success	p. 233
The Five Laws of Gold	p. 235
The First Law of Gold	p. 237
The Second Law of Gold	p. 241
The Third Law of Gold	p. 242
The Fourth Law of Gold	p. 243
The Fifth Law of Gold	p. 243
Afterword	p. 246
Glossary	p. 247
Index	p. 270
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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