Book Review: "Backstage Guide to Real Estate"

I think it is safe to say that the most fun book we have read about real estate syndications is Matthew Picheny's "Backstage Guide to Real Estate: Produce Passive Income, Write Your Own Story, and Direct Your Dollars Toward Positive Change." It is jaunty, a little irreverent, and packed with useful experiences. It all adds up to good advice for anyone getting started in real estate investing. It's also fully worth reading for more experienced investors, whether as entertainment or as a source of new ideas.

Picheny knows what he is talking about when it comes to real estate investing and the world of theater, two passions he combines in this book. He uses his mix of experiences to make the text come alive. It is in part a personal journey (somewhat autobiographical), in part a family's journey (a family financial life, if you will), in part a reflection on investing in the theater business. Mostly it is a guide to the world of real estate investing with an emphasis on syndications.

On the theater side, Picheny has been an investor in Broadway shows. His list of hits includes... Hamilton. Seriously. A good call for sure.

On the real estate side, Picheny takes you through his journey from a young person with an interest in acting and theater to his current career as a real estate investor. He has owned rental homes, invested in a range of properties, and managed syndications. As an active syndicator these days, he offers syndications to members of the Picheny Investor's Club: "The Picheny Investors Club is a private investment club whose financial goals and human values are aligned. The club emphasizes a win-win approach that prioritizes the enrichment of every community we invest in. We place purpose on par with profit."  

There are other books that are certainly more technical or go more in depth on how to invest in real estate. These other books can also be quite dry or specialized. If you are looking for a fun read that is written by a well-informed author (actor turned real estate investor!), then Matthew Picheny's "Backstage Guide" is a great place to turn.