What Are the Best Books on Real Estate Investment Trusts?

Books have always been one of the best ways to learn real estate investing. Unlike short blog posts or quick YouTube videos, books give you a chance to dive deep into strategies, follow proven frameworks, and revisit lessons anytime you need.

If you’re exploring real estate in the U.S., you’ll quickly discover that Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are one of the most popular ways to invest. REITs let everyday investors participate in commercial and multifamily properties without owning a building outright. That makes them a smart choice for those who want real estate exposure, passive income, and diversification.

So, which books should you start with if you want to understand REITs? Let’s break it down.

Why Read Books on REITs?

Sure, online content is everywhere, but books give you something more:

• Step-by-step learning instead of scattered tips.

• Proven strategies from seasoned U.S. real estate professionals.

• Practical insights on dividends, portfolio building, and passive income.

REITs are especially attractive because they bring together the stability of real estate and the liquidity of stocks. If you’re looking for the best books on real estate investment trusts in the USA, you’re already on the right track.

Best REIT Books for Beginners

If you’re just getting started, look for books that explain REITs in simple, approachable language. Here are a few favorites:

• “The AI Advantage: How to Use AI to Underwrite Multifamily Development” by Tim H. Safransky – While not strictly a REIT book, it’s perfect for beginners who want to see how technology is reshaping multifamily real estate (a major REIT category).

• “The Intelligent REIT Investor” by Brad Thomas – A beginner-friendly breakdown of REIT investing in the U.S.

• “Investing in REITs” by Ralph Block – A classic guide that simplifies REIT fundamentals.

• “Building Wealth Through REITs” by Bobby Jayaraman – Explains how REITs can be used for long-term income building.

Tip: If you’re a beginner, pair one of these books with a small investment in a REIT ETF. It’s a safe way to learn while testing the waters.

Advanced REIT and Real Estate Books

Once you’ve got the basics, you’ll want to dig deeper into strategies, financial modeling, and portfolio management. These books are worth adding to your shelf:

• “The AI Advantage” (again) – For advanced readers, it shows how AI-powered underwriting changes deal analysis and portfolio decisions.

• “The Complete Guide to Investing in REITs” by Richard Imperiale – A comprehensive look at REITs in different U.S. market conditions.

• “The Handbook of Commercial Real Estate Investing” by John McMahan – Excellent for understanding commercial deal evaluation.

• “Real Estate Finance and Investments” by Brueggeman & Fisher – A university-level textbook that connects finance principles to real estate.

These books will help you move from learning concepts to actually analyzing investments like a professional.

Spotlight: The AI Advantage

Among all the books on this list, one that truly stands out is “The AI Advantage: How to Use AI to Underwrite Multifamily Development” by Tim H. Safransky.

Why? Because it bridges the world of traditional real estate with the future of AI. Safransky shows how investors can combine classic underwriting methods with modern AI tools to identify opportunities, create accurate pro formas, and assess financial feasibility more effectively.

For REIT investors, this matters a lot—multifamily properties often play a huge role in REIT portfolios. Understanding how AI reshapes this sector gives you an edge over traditional investors.

How to Pick the Right Book for You

Not sure which book to start with? Here’s a quick guide:

• Total beginners → Ralph Block’s Investing in REITs

• Hands-on learners → Brad Thomas’s The Intelligent REIT Investor

• Tech-forward investors → Tim Safransky’s The AI Advantage

• Advanced strategists → Richard Imperiale or Brueggeman & Fisher

The “best” book depends on where you are on your journey.

Where to Buy REIT Books in the USA

You can easily find these books on:

• Amazon – The widest selection, plus reviews.

• Barnes & Noble – Great for browsing in-store.

• Local U.S. bookstores – A good way to support small businesses.

The AI Advantage is available on Amazon now if you’re ready to start applying AI insights to your real estate strategy.

Final Thoughts

Books remain one of the most effective ways to learn real estate investing. Whether you’re looking for beginner-friendly guides or advanced finance strategies, REIT-focused books can help you grow your knowledge and income potential.

And if you want to future-proof your real estate skills? The AI Advantage is a must-read.

Ready to take the next step?
Grab your copy of The AI Advantage: How to Use AI to Underwrite Multifamily Development on Amazon today.

Subscribe to our “AI Multifamily Developments” YouTube Channel for free learning and real-world examples.