Unlike the "experts," Bigland has achieved real, tangible success over two-plus decades. He's also still in the trenches today, practicing the same strategies advocated in Along for the Ride. So he's a true expert and can speak with authority on what it takes to reach actual financial independence. In doing that, Bigland's not afraid to shatter both the myths and the egos of those who create them.

His views may not make Along for the Ride popular among those with get rich quick schemes. Yet the book is certain to delight anyone in need of honest, actionable advice on becoming financially independent.

For these readers, Bigland offers a simple, straightforward blueprint based on real estate and stock investing. On the real estate side, he advocates a strategy involving owning your principal residence and steadily acquiring rental properties. And, on the stock investing side, his approach focuses on dividend growth and index investing via low-cost ETFs.

These two overall methods (real estate and stock investing) are used to create a reliable stream of passive income. Or, as both the book and Warren Buffet call it, "a snowball."

With Along for the Ride, learn to do the following:

• cultivate the right mind-set for real estate investing
• overcome the trader's mentality
• make your first move in the world of real estate
• buy your first property
• invest in quality assets
• stop chasing small money
• build a support team
• go the extra mile in buying or selling
• have your money work for you

Bigland shares the secrets of the stock market and shows you how to model your financial behavior on successful investors'. He also includes a question and answer section and a list of recommended resources.

Bigland encourages you to take a step back and avoid quick responses to current events. Instead, outline your long-term financial goals and commit to a solid, steady strategy moving forward.

Owen Bigland is hardly your typical realtor. Get to know him and you'll see why.

First of all, there's that last name "Bigland." It practically screams real estate. Then there's his story. Of learning the profession-starting at age fourteen- from his father, a seasoned realtor. Since that early start, Owen has gone on to become one of Vancouver's most experienced realtors. Along the way, he's sold countless million-dollar properties and built a personal fortune. He's also been featured repeatedly, as a real estate expert and investor, in leading newspapers like the Globe & Mail and the Vancouver Sun. Not to brag, though. Owen wouldn't allow it. Unlike other successful realtors, he's never let achievements go to his head. For according to Owen, anyone can succeed in real estate and in having the life they want. The key is consistent effort, rather than genius or any "magical" formula.

You'll find this position expressed on Owen's blog and in this book, Along for the Ride. It's just what you'd expect from a guy who's modest, friendly, and-above all-hardworking. Let Owen work for you and you'll gain a unique partner. A partner who's walked the walk as a real estate investor in Vancouver for over a quarter-century, and a stock market investor for even longer. Someone who's seen nearly every type of market imaginable. And the perfect guide for your journey into real estate and how to build a passive income machine for life!