Wisdom from an Experienced Real Estate Investor

In this episode of the AAA Storage Podcast, Paul Bennett focuses on the essential lessons that come from nearly four decades of investing in real estate. Paul shares practical, candid insights about what shapes long-term success—discipline, planning, selecting the right sponsor, and the realities of market cycles. The discussion speaks directly to high-net-worth investors looking for reliable returns in self storage, offering grounded perspective instead of trends or empty promises.

Key Highlights

• The importance of disciplined capital allocation and the pitfalls of trying to time the market

• How liquidity and having cash reserves enable investors to weather downturns and hold assets through challenging periods

• The consequences of chasing tax advantages and overleveraging, illustrated through personal experience during the aftermath of the Tax Reform Act of 1986

• Why sponsor alignment—with meaningful capital at risk and a problem-solving approach—protects investors when markets shift

• Herd mentality in real estate: how following the crowd leads to trouble and why well-placed contrarian moves create opportunity

• The responsibility of passive investors to perform due diligence on market cycles, local demand, and the sponsor’s commitment and expertise

Resources

• Paul Shannon LinkedIn Post: Lessons Learned From a Challenging Year of Passive Investing

• Paul Shannon LinkedIn Post: CBRE data for investing in 2025