What Really Drives Returns in Private Real Estate with Jacob Vanderslice

In a market flooded with pitch decks and pro forma promises, what actually drives durable returns in private real estate?

In this episode, Jim sits down with Jacob Vanderslice of VanWest Partners to dissect the operational backbone of self-storage, the risks behind the spreadsheets, and why real investors focus on downside protection more than projected upside.

Key Takeaways:
1. Self-storage is an operating business. With granular rent streams, month-to-month leases, and retail-level management, it’s not just real estate—it’s operations.
2. Cycles expose weak decisions. Jacob shares how forced timing, tax pressures, and poor planning can destroy returns—and how to avoid those traps.
3. The right questions matter. A good pitch isn’t enough. Investors should ask about worst-case outcomes, not just IRR targets.
Self-storage may look simple from the outside, but as Jacob Vanderslice makes clear, consistent returns come from disciplined operations, not market timing. W

hether you're using Infinite Banking or other private capital strategies, the message is the same: know your operator, understand the risks, and focus on long-term execution—not short-term projections.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:02 The Self-Storage Business Model
05:38 Market Trends and Future Outlook
08:18 Operational Challenges in Self-Storage
11:04 Investment Strategies and Returns
13:49 Lessons from Past Deals
16:53 Finding the Right Investment Partner
19:51 Advice for Aspiring Investors
22:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Jacob Vanderslice:
Website: www.vanwestpartners.com/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-vanderslice-02905b16b/
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