01
Assess risks and spot great opportunities
See which projects are worth pursuing, from a first renovation to a larger development.
For Dummies · On sale October 26, 2026
Real Estate Development For Dummies
A plain-language guide to building and improving real estate, from a first renovation to innovation hubs and affordable housing. Written by David J. Lynn, Ph.D., CRE, who has invested in more than 220 transactions totaling over $15 billion.
Three things this book is for.
The same promises on the cover: how to judge a deal, get it approved, and pay for it.
02
Navigate approvals with confidence
Move through zoning, regulations, and the people who have to say yes.
03
Explore financing options that fit your goals
Compare ways to fund the deal and how to structure it.
What is inside
An end-to-end development process, with case studies on design, modeling, market analysis, sustainability, and what is changing in the field.
- Start with a simple project, then take on more complex ones.
- Use current practice and emerging trends as you begin.
- Weigh risk and opportunity, work the approval process, and bring stakeholders with you.
- Read regulations and zoning, compare financing, and structure a deal.
Written for people who build, flip, and invest.
Entrepreneurs
Owners who want a first project without hiring a whole development staff on day one.
House flippers
Operators ready to move from a single renovation into a repeatable development process.
DIY renovators
Hands-on builders who need the approvals, money, and sequencing around the work itself.
Investors
People underwriting development who want the operating picture, not only the spreadsheet.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about the book, the author, and pre-order formats.
When is Real Estate Development For Dummies released?
The first edition goes on sale October 26, 2026. Pre-order paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats now on Amazon.
Who wrote the book?
David J. Lynn, Ph.D., CRE, wrote the book. He has over 35 years in institutional real estate and has invested in more than 220 transactions totaling over $15 billion. He is CEO and founder of Unity Medical Properties REIT.
What does the book cover?
How to assess risk and spot opportunities, navigate zoning and approvals, compare financing options, and structure deals—from a first renovation to larger developments such as innovation hubs and affordable housing.
Who is this book for?
Entrepreneurs, house flippers, DIY renovators, and investors who want a practical development process in plain language without hiring a full development staff on day one.
What is the ISBN and page count?
Paperback ISBN-13 is 978-1-394-42441-2. The book is 352 pages, published by For Dummies.
Pre-order the first edition.
Paperback from For Dummies, published October 26, 2026. 352 pages of the development process, written for a first project and the one after it.
- Author
- David J. Lynn, Ph.D., CRE
- Publisher
- For Dummies
- Publication
- October 26, 2026
- Format
- Paperback, 1st edition
- Length
- 352 pages
- ISBN-13
- 978-1-394-42441-2