Books

Dirt Rich

Dirt Rich explores land as the foundation of everything we know—economically, socially, and culturally. Through the lens of land speculation, investing, and development, this book demystifies the multi-trillion-dollar world of real estate, beginning with the simplest of elements: a piece of land.

This is more than a how-to manual—it’s a meditation on the world we live in, the communities we’ve built, and the infrastructure that sustains us. Land is not just a commodity; it is the raw material of modern civilization.

Author and entrepreneur Jose Berlanga has spent his career identifying and investing in land with an eye for future redevelopment. His curiosity and passion led him to explore land’s deeper meaning, beyond financial value.

Dirt Rich invites readers to see the world differently—to understand how our surroundings were designed, why they matter, and how we can take part in shaping the future. Whether you’re a curious citizen or an aspiring investor, this journey will enrich your perspective—and perhaps even your life.

“Have you ever wondered how your city came to be? From its industries and layout to its flow and function, nothing was accidental. This book reveals the hidden blueprint behind the everyday—and how understanding it can empower you to shape your own corner of the world.”

The Business of Home Building

Over the span of almost four decades, Jose Berlanga has started and grown several companies from the ground up. Owning and operating residential construction businesses allowed him to focus on the business side of the industry, as opposed to the construction side—and in this powerful book he shares the insider advice you need to do the same.

Many new home builders get into this industry not knowing exactly what they will encounter and frequently become discouraged, finding it to be different and much more complex than they expected. As it turns out, the business you thought would be all fun and creative becomes more about managing people, money, and schedules. But failing to understand the business side risks burnout or even bankruptcy.

In The Business of Home Building, a book based on real-world experiences, you will learn how to:

• Set up a company with clear operating procedures and a plan for success.
• Find the best people for your team, including real estate professionals and service providers.
• Locate land deals and assess their worthiness for investing.
• Conduct due diligence on civil engineering, structural engineering, permits, legal documents, contracts, and more.
• Create and manage essential budgets for all parts of your project.
• Obtain financing and raise equity capital.

Read the review in The US Review of Books
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