The AAA Storage Podcast

AAA Storage
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Investing

Investing in self storage gives you the fundamentals and growth you need to grow your portfolio. But skip the opportunities from golf buddies and gurus—invest in a real track record. Started by John Muhich in 1993, AAA Storage has delivered 19% IRR across 90 deals, totaling $450M in exits. Listen to our expert insights on investing from the AAA Storage team. See more at aaastorageinvestments.com.

  1. 2d ago

    Both Sides of the Table Book Discussion with Paul Shannon | The AAA Storage Podcast #47

    Paul Shannon has been a general partner, a fund manager, and a limited partner in nearly 45 private real estate deals across 10 years. In this episode, Paul Bennett sits down with him to discuss his new book, Both Sides of the Table, a practical guide to passive investing built from all three perspectives. They cover the difference between thinking like an investor and thinking like a consumer, why the pro forma is rarely the outcome, how to read the market cycle, how to evaluate a sponsor's character and alignment, and how IRR partitioning and yield on cost can reveal when a value-add deal carries development-level risk. Paul Shannon closes with his core advice for LPs: lead with risk, not returns, and build a diversified portfolio over time. Get the book: Both Sides of the Table by Paul Shannon: https://www.amazon.com/Both-Sides-Table-Paul-Shannon/dp/B0H568RKLJ/ Ready to talk about your investment strategy? Reach out at aaastorageinvestments.com New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and send this to an investor in your network who needs to hear it. Download our free guides to take your investing to the next level:• CRE Investors Sector Reference Guide: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/cre-investors-reference-guide?utm_source=aaa-storage&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=ep-47-both-sides-of-the-table&utm_content=guide-cre-reference• Ground-Up Investor Field Guide:https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/guides/ground-up-investor-field-guide?utm_source=aaa-storage&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=ep-47-both-sides-of-the-table&utm_content=guide-ground-up-field-guide Chapters[00:00] Introduction: Paul Bennett welcomes Paul Shannon, author of Both Sides of the Table.[01:49] Why This Book Is Different: Moving from the principles of passive investing to the practice.[03:23] Three Seats at the Table: What the LP, GP, and fund manager seats each taught Paul about risk.[07:31] Investor vs. Consumer: Urgency marketing, the joy of missing out, and the allocator mindset.[11:08] Second-Level Thinking: Real diversification, personal goals, and why passive investing isn't passive.[14:22] Getting the Market on Your Side: The market-cycle pendulum and being paid enough for the risk.[22:16] Character Over Track Record: The worst-deal question, LP empathy, and 50 questions for sponsors.[27:55] Skin in the Game: Why meaningful sponsor co-investment creates alignment.[31:02] Value-Add vs. Development: IRR partitioning, yield on cost, and development spread.[38:30] Lead With Risk, Not Returns: Paul's hopes for readers and how to build a diversified LP portfolio.

  2. Sep 29

    Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401(k): How to Invest in a Private Fund With Tax-Advantaged Capital | The AAA Storage Podcast #46

    Disclaimer: This episode is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice, and it is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. Consult your own CPA, tax advisor, and legal counsel before making any decision about a retirement account or an investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investments carry risk, including the loss of principal. In this episode, Paul Bennett explains how self-directed IRAs and Solo 401(k)s actually work, why leveraged real estate inside a self-directed IRA can trigger Unrelated Business Income Tax, and the loophole that lets qualifying investors avoid that tax altogether, even on assets they’ve already invested. Ready to talk about your investment strategy? Reach out at https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/contact New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and send this to an investor in your network who needs to hear it. Follow and Connect with Us• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-storage-investments/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaastorageinvestments/• X: https://x.com/investments_aaa• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AAA-Storage-Investments-LLC/61575027573292/ Download our free guides to take your investing to the next level:10 Due Diligence Questions to Vet Any Real Estate Sponsor: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/10-due-diligence-questions-to-vet-any-real-estate-sponsorFirst-Time Real Estate Syndication Investor Checklist: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/first-time-real-estate-syndication-investor-checklist Chapters[00:00] Introduction: why self-directed accounts matter for private real estate investors[01:51] What a self-directed IRA and Solo 401(k) actually are[06:40] How money moves between accounts and the mistake that triggers taxes[09:49] Why your custodian isn’t your investment advisor[14:12] The tax bill most investors don’t see coming: Unrelated Business Income Tax[16:46] The loophole: why a solo 401(k) changes the math[21:16] Who this strategy is for[26:27] Closing thoughts and what’s coming next episode

  3. Sep 15

    Growth Fund 2 — A Progress Report | The AAA Storage Podcast #45

    Eight months after breaking escrow, Paul Bennett gives a project-by-project update on Growth Fund 2 — AAA Storage's $40 million ground-up development fund across Texas and North Carolina. Paul walks through where each of the fund's six active projects stands, why the national self-storage development pipeline keeps shrinking, and why he thinks that sets up a seller's market later this decade. He also shares an early read on Growth Fund 1's performance and explains how AAA Storage manufactures value through development rather than relying on appreciation. Ready to talk about your investment strategy? Reach out at https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/contact New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and send this to an investor in your network who needs to hear it. Follow and Connect with Us• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-storage-investments/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaastorageinvestments/• X: https://x.com/investments_aaa• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AAA-Storage-Investments-LLC/61575027573292/ Download our free guides to take your investing to the next level:10 Due Diligence Questions to Vet Any Real Estate Sponsor: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/10-due-diligence-questions-to-vet-any-real-estate-sponsorFirst-Time Real Estate Syndication Investor Checklist: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/first-time-real-estate-syndication-investor-checklist Chapters[00:00] Introduction[00:16] Growth Fund 2 overview: $40 million across seven storage and four small-bay projects[01:00] Why the self-storage development pipeline is shrinking[03:45] Eight months in[04:00] Huffmeister and Buda: the first two projects near initial lease-up[06:00] Elgin and Hutto: the fund's best financing yet, and a Samsung-driven pivot to small-bay[10:00] Six projects, eleven planned[12:00] Cap rates, cycles, and the return of institutional buyers[13:57] Growth Fund 1's track record, and why Fund 2 is still raising capital[16:00] How AAA Storage manufactures value and the target return for investors

  4. Sep 1

    From Property Sale to Your Bank Account: How a Real Estate Fund Exit Works | The AAA Storage Podcast #44

    In this episode, we break down the full life cycle of a self-storage investment, focusing on the crucial question every investor asks: how do you actually make money? We discuss how exit strategies are planned, what drives the timing of a sale, and why relationships and trust can make or break a deal. With real-world anecdotes and honest insights, Paul unpacks the mechanics behind finding buyers, managing the closing process, and ultimately distributing returns to investors. Tune in to discover what sets successful storage investments apart and gain a deeper understanding of the core principles that drive lasting results. Ready to talk about your investment strategy? Reach out at https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/contact New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and send this to an investor in your network who needs to hear it. Chapters(00:00) The Importance of the Exit Decision(05:27) Finding and Selecting Buyers(09:00) Closing Process and Due Diligence(12:39) Investor Distributions and the Waterfall(18:46) Tax Considerations and K-1 Reporting(24:28) The Value of Exit Velocity(27:50) Fund Structure and Return Blending Follow and Connect with Us• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-storage-investments/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaastorageinvestments/• X: https://x.com/investments_aaa• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AAA-Storage-Investments-LLC/61575027573292/ Download our free guides to take your investing to the next level:10 Due Diligence Questions to Vet Any Real Estate Sponsor: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/10-due-diligence-questions-to-vet-any-real-estate-sponsorFirst-Time Real Estate Syndication Investor Checklist: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/first-time-real-estate-syndication-investor-checklist

  5. Aug 18

    Inside Our Portfolio: What's Happening Across All 8 Active Projects — Growth Fund 1 Update | The AAA Storage Podcast #43

    Join us for an in-depth update on Growth Fund 1, as we review the fund’s real-time performance and standout projects across Texas and Florida. Paul shares notable stories, including record-setting lease-ups, strategic business park developments, and the launch of an innovative membership revenue program. Get a candid look at how AAA Storage navigates market shifts, optimizes returns, and adapts strategies for each property. Whether you’re new to self-storage investing or tracking your portfolio, this episode is packed with practical insights and market-driven expertise. Ready to talk about your investment strategy? Reach out at https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/contact New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and send this to an investor in your network who needs to hear it. Chapters(00:00) Importance of Recent Track Record(03:12) Individual Property Performance Reviews(04:00) Cibolo Self-Storage and Business Park Update(08:23) Georgetown FM3405 Facility Highlights(13:31) Lago Vista Record-Breaking Lease-Up(17:15) Updates on Highway 41 and Lago Vista Business Park(22:03) Innovation in Ancillary Revenue With Lock In Membership Program Follow and Connect with Us• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-storage-investments/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaastorageinvestments/• X: https://x.com/investments_aaa• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AAA-Storage-Investments-LLC/61575027573292/ Download our free guides to take your investing to the next level:10 Due Diligence Questions to Vet Any Real Estate Sponsor: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/10-due-diligence-questions-to-vet-any-real-estate-sponsorFirst-Time Real Estate Syndication Investor Checklist: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/first-time-real-estate-syndication-investor-checklist

  6. Aug 4

    Understanding CRE Sectors, Part 3: Risk and Return Analysis | The AAA Storage Podcast #42

    In this episode, Paul Bennett unravels the complexities of risk and return in commercial real estate investing. He breaks down how context, asset class, deal structure, and market conditions drive performance across sectors like self-storage, multifamily, and office. Paul offers practical tools and candid advice for evaluating deals, sharing his expertise on avoiding pitfalls and building intentional, resilient investment portfolios. Whether you're an experienced investor or exploring new opportunities, this episode delivers clear strategies to help you make smarter decisions in any real estate cycle. Get our free CRE Sector Reference Guide here Ready to talk about your investment strategy? Reach out at https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/contact New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and send this to an investor in your network who needs to hear it. Chapters(00:00) Contextual Risk and Sector Performance(05:00) Risk Across Asset Classes(12:00) Deal Structure and Market Dynamics(19:00) Sector Evaluation Framework(26:00) Building an Intentional Portfolio Follow and Connect with Us• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-storage-investments/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaastorageinvestments/• X: https://x.com/investments_aaa• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AAA-Storage-Investments-LLC/61575027573292/ Download our free guides to take your investing to the next level:10 Due Diligence Questions to Vet Any Real Estate Sponsor: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/10-due-diligence-questions-to-vet-any-real-estate-sponsorFirst-Time Real Estate Syndication Investor Checklist: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/first-time-real-estate-syndication-investor-checklist

  7. Jul 21

    Understanding CRE Sectors, Part 2: Small-Bay Industrial and Self-Storage | The AAA Storage Podcast #41

    In this episode, we break down commercial real estate, focusing on the dynamics of small-bay industrial and self-storage investments. Listeners will hear in-depth analysis of key factors like cap rates, demand drivers, liquidity, and risk, as well as how these sectors perform compared to others during economic shifts. Paul shares actionable data and candid insights that clarify why self-storage and small-bay industrial stand out for modern investors. Whether you are looking to diversify your portfolio or better understand sector performance, this episode delivers clarity and expert perspective you can trust. Get our free CRE Sector Reference Guide here Ready to talk about your investment strategy? Reach out at aaastorageinvestments.com. New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and send this to an investor in your network who needs to hear it. Chapters(00:00) Industrial and Small-Bay Industrial Overview(03:00) Cap Rates and Demand Drivers(05:00) Liquidity, Hold Period, and Risk Factors(10:46) Self-Storage Sector Analysis(17:04) Housing Market’s Impact on Self-Storage(20:25) Relative Sector Performance and Rankings(25:17) Positioning Observations and Sector Strategies Follow and Connect with Us• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-storage-investments/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaastorageinvestments/• X: https://x.com/investments_aaa• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AAA-Storage-Investments-LLC/61575027573292/ Download our free guides to take your investing to the next level:10 Due Diligence Questions to Vet Any Real Estate Sponsor: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/10-due-diligence-questions-to-vet-any-real-estate-sponsorFirst-Time Real Estate Syndication Investor Checklist: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/first-time-real-estate-syndication-investor-checklist

  8. Jul 7

    Understanding CRE Sectors, Part 1: Multifamily, Office, Retail, and Hospitality | The AAA Storage Podcast #40

    Join real estate expert Paul Bennett as he breaks down the fundamentals of commercial real estate investing. In this episode, Paul guides listeners through the seven major sectors, reveals the key factors that shape investment returns, and demystifies essential terms like “core,” “value add,” and institutional grades. Listeners will gain a practical framework for evaluating and comparing different property types, helping them make smarter portfolio decisions. Whether you’re new to real estate or refining your strategy, this episode offers clear insights for navigating today’s CRE market. Get our free CRE Sector Reference Guide here Ready to talk about your investment strategy? Reach out at aaastorageinvestments.com New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and send this to an investor in your network who needs to hear it. Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Commercial Real Estate Sectors(04:53) Understanding Asset Classes and Property Grades(13:47) Investment Strategies and Classifications(17:11) Building a Portfolio Using Sector and Factor Grids(20:25) Multifamily Sector Deep Dive(22:47) Office Sector Analysis and Trends(27:04) Retail Investment Factors and Mixed Use Concepts(33:00) Hotels and Medical Office Investment Fundamentals(39:46) Next Steps and Preview of Industrial and Self-Storage Follow and Connect with Us• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-storage-investments/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaastorageinvestments/• X: https://x.com/investments_aaa• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AAA-Storage-Investments-LLC/61575027573292/ Download our free guides to take your investing to the next level:10 Due Diligence Questions to Vet Any Real Estate Sponsor: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/10-due-diligence-questions-to-vet-any-real-estate-sponsorFirst-Time Real Estate Syndication Investor Checklist: https://www.aaastorageinvestments.com/info/first-time-real-estate-syndication-investor-checklist

See All (47)

About

Investing in self storage gives you the fundamentals and growth you need to grow your portfolio. But skip the opportunities from golf buddies and gurus—invest in a real track record. Started by John Muhich in 1993, AAA Storage has delivered 19% IRR across 90 deals, totaling $450M in exits. Listen to our expert insights on investing from the AAA Storage team. See more at aaastorageinvestments.com.

Information

  • Creator
    AAA Storage
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © AAA Storage Investments 2025
  • Show Website
    The AAA Storage Podcast

You Might Also Like