We’ve all seen the infomercials and heard their “You can have it all” message about how much money can be easily made by investing in real estate. Most of us think it’s a trick and change the channel; we are afraid that buying the special kit is just a scam or at least a waste of money. Less credible are the claims that we can make a fortune with no money up front. I’ve been as skeptical about investing in real estate as anyone. Then I read Paul Xavier’s “Responding to Real Estate What Ifs” and my understanding of how investing in real estate can make you financially independent changed dramatically.

Paul Xavier does not offer a get-rich-quick scheme. In fact, he makes it clear that investing by buying a property is not that simple, although by following the steps in this book, I believe it is much easier than one might initially suspect. And Xavier shows you how to start investing with no money down by helping other investors find a property. Simply put, whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, a beginner or already an investor, “Answering Real Estate What Ifs” answers every possible question you may have about buying and selling property.

Answering questions is precisely the purpose of this book, and Xavier has organized it around those “What If” questions most people ask, starting with the ones that unfortunately paralyze people before they start investing. No fewer than ninety-eight “What If” questions are asked, organized into ten sections that take the reader from starting with no money to rehabbing a property and dealing with tenants.

When Paul Xavier started investing, he didn’t know anything about investing in property; he was employed full time in the US Navy and had very little money to invest. None of that stopped him. He attended some seminars, read some books, took a chance and used his wits. Today he owns property in the United States, is active in three real estate companies, is a nationally recognized speaker in the real estate industry, and personally advises real estate investors across the country.

While “Answering the “What Ifs” in Real Estate” contains very practical advice on a variety of real estate topics, ranging from finding a good real estate agent and general contractor to dealing with tenants who have pets and finding a bank to lend you money, what I found most impressive and refreshing about the book is Xavier’s “I CAN DO IT” attitude, which convinces the reader that such an investment can be a viable part of one’s future. Xavier makes it clear that if a person believes that he can become a real estate investor, motivation and common sense will make the rest fit. One of my favorite passages in the book illustrates this point when Xavier answers the question, “What if I don’t have money?”

Excellent! So what do you have to lose?… DO NOT let money be the driving force of what you can or cannot do. Allowing money to limit you will prevent you from getting ahead. I’m here to tell you that if you can find great real estate deals, attracting money has never been easier. Banks with low interest money and investors with cash are pumping tons of money into the real estate market and will continue to do so. I challenge you to go out and find those deals. The money will follow!

Xavier then goes far beyond simple motivation to give clever examples of how to build your credit quickly so banks will lend you money, how to get other investors to pay you to find them deals, how to find your own deals, and how to sell a business. . home in an amazing five days. That’s just the beginning of the great tips (far from tricks) that Xavier has up his sleeve.

If you think property investing is for you, and after reading “Answering Real Estate What Ifs” I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t think so, then buying this book may be your first and smallest, but most greater investment towards your future financial freedom.