About the Book
Feeling stuck in your real estate investing journey? This is your creative breakthrough guide to escaping investment paralysis and unlocking hidden profit in any market.
"[A] behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a portfolio when money is tight and markets are tough... [Leka] walks you through the messy pivots, creative exits, and lessons earned the hard way."
--Ashley Kehr, cohost of the Real Estate Rookie podcast
Return on Real Estate delivers the unconventional strategies and tactical solutions you need to unlock your next level of success. Author Leka Devatha, who has completed over 100 full-gut renovations and built a sizable portfolio across varying market landscapes, shares hard-won insights that go far beyond basic buy-and-hold approaches.
This isn't just another real estate book filled with theory. Leka provides a tactical toolkit born from a decade of hands-on experience, covering everything from ADUs and subdivisions to assisted living conversions and creative exit strategies. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast ready to roll up your sleeves, a strategic pivoter seeking cutting-edge opportunities, or a long-term wealth builder focused on legacy creation, this book delivers actionable solutions for every investment style.
In this book, you'll learn how to:
Calculate and improve ROI using multiple proven methods beyond basic formulas
Transform underperforming properties through value-add strategies like renovation, ADUs, and subdivisions
Navigate high-profit strategies like short-term rentals, rent-by-room, and assisted living facilities
Overcome limited capital with creative financing and partnership structures
Master strategic exit timing through flips, refinancing, and 1031 exchanges
Thrive in any market conditions by adapting and capitalizing regardless of inventory or interest rates
In a challenging market, your financial freedom depends on taking creative action. Stop spinning your wheels and start building the profitable, scalable real estate portfolio you've always envisioned!
About the Author :
Leka is a real estate developer and broker based in Seattle, WA. She is the President of Rehabit Homes, Inc., a company focused on residential and commercial redevelopment. Leka has spearheaded hundreds of transactions, totaling over $100 million in real estate development. With nearly a decade of experience in repositioning distressed assets, Leka brings a unique blend of vision, strategy, and execution to every project she undertakes. Her expertise lies in revitalizing properties, breathing new life into communities, and creating lasting value.
Beyond her achievements in the real estate industry, Leka is a sought-after speaker. She has emceed prominent conferences such as BiggerPockets and MFIN and has also been featured on numerous podcasts and other media including Business Insider and Fox News. Committed to giving back to her community, she hosts the popular networking mixer "Real Estate At Work," bringing together industry leaders and aspiring professionals to foster connections and knowledge sharing.
Leka moved to the U.S. from India 17 years ago. Before her foray into real estate, she honed her skills in merchandise strategy and financial planning at Nordstrom Corporate.
Review :
"Leka Devatha's Return on Real Estate is exactly the kind of insightful, hands-on guide that investors at every level can benefit from. Her proven strategies, practical approach, and genuine transparency make this a valuable read for anyone looking to optimize their cash flow or successfully exit their investments. I've seen many real estate books, but this one truly stands out for its clarity and real-world relevance. Highly recommend!" --Ken McElroy, Real Estate Investor and Author
"Return on Real Estate is honest, tactical, and grounded in real-world experience--a clear and practical guide for investors who want to succeed." --James Dainard, expert flipper "Million Dollar Zombie Flips," author of The House Flipping Framework
"Return on Real Estate delivers the kind of real-world strategies that even experienced investors can appreciate. Leka's transparency, creativity, and resourcefulness make this a must-read for anyone looking to maximize their options--whether you're building long-term cash flow or positioning for a big exit." --Devon Kennard, former NFL Linebacker, Private Lender, and author of Real Estate Side Hustle
"Return on Real Estate is the book we wish more of our clients would read before jumping into a deal. Leka doesn't just teach strategy; she shows readers how to build lasting wealth with clarity, creativity, and confidence. From calculating ROI and 1031 exchanges, to ADUs to property exits, her guidance is tactical and filled with real-world examples that are super relatable. Whether you're on your first flip or scaling a multimillion-dollar portfolio, this book bridges the gap between numbers and mindset, making it a must-read for new and experienced investors alike." --Amanda Han & Matt MacFarland, CPAs, authors of The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor
"Return on Real Estate isn't just another investing book--it's a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a portfolio when money is tight and markets are tough. What I love most is how honest and practical it is. The author doesn't just share wins--she walks you through the messy pivots, creative exits, and lessons earned the hard way. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale smartly, this book will give you real strategies you can actually use. Highly recommend." --Ashley Kehr, cohost of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie podcast, author of Real Estate Rookie, and coauthor of Real Estate Partnerships
"An incredible resource with actionable insights that every investor can employ. Don't miss your chance to learn from Leka--she's one of the best investors and educators in the business." --Dave Meyer, author of Start with Strategy, host of the BiggerPockets Podcast
"Leka totally crushed it with Return on Real Estate! She breaks down game-changing strategies--from flipping and subdivisions to ADUs and assisted living--that'll help you maximize cash flow and cash out BIG, even in expensive markets. This book isn't theory; it's full of real-life, actionable stories about scaling your portfolio creatively without needing piles of cash to start. Seriously, if you're ready to level up your real estate investing, stop what you're doing and grab this book NOW!" --Tony Robinson, cohost of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie podcast, coauthor of Real Estate Partnerships
