From the Field.

DES Announces the Acquisition of Our Lake Granbury Storage Portfolio!

Direct Equity Source (DES) is excited to announce that we have officially closed and taken possession of three storage properties in Granbury, Texas. Congratulations to those investors that chose to participate in this exciting new venture!

As of today, the portfolio consists of 773 built units totaling 125,981 square feet. As part of the office remodel at the Temple Hall Highway location, we will be adding another 18 storage units. Once completed, the portfolio will consist of 791 units totaling 126,341 square feet.

Lago Vista Self-Storage - Austin, Texas

Lago Vista, Texas is a suburb of Austin Texas, one of the fastest growing MSAs in the country. Lago Vista is located along Lake Travis in Travis County and is less than 20 miles from the city center of Austin.

Phase 1 of the Lago Vista storage facility, totaling 37,450 net rentable square feet across 292 units, opened December 26, 2025. The store has now completed four full months of operations and is performing well above expectations.

The Diversification Framework That Built Million-Dollar Portfolios – Behind The Capital Curtain

In this episode, you will learn about the power of investing in Self Storage with a seasoned expert, Garland Benton (Director of Business Development at Direct Equity Source). When investing passively, it’s important to really know what you’re getting into. Garland sheds very insightful wisdom on how they have generated great risk-adjusted returns, while offering transparent investing opportunities.

Direct Equity Source Announces Significant New Construction Progress Across Expanding Portfolio

We are excited to share the construction progress at our Palmetto, Florida (Tampa Metro) facility with you! As you can see from the video, Phase 1 (45,000 net rentable square feet), is well on its way to an anticipated 3rd Qtr. opening date. The site is located approximately 40 miles southeast of the City of Tampa, 14 miles north of Sarasota and adjacent to US Hwy 41, a major north/south thruway. The site has significant visibility from Hwy 41 which according to FDOT statistics, has a traffic count of 19,800 cars per day. The site includes 5.589 acres and will be developed by the Fund as Self-Storage only, and will ultimately include approximately 84,000 net rentable square feet.

The Self-Storage Investor Dilemma: REIT or Develop?

For the casual observer, the self-storage industry can seem puzzling. Why do people rent space to store their “junk”? But for savvy investors, this puzzle has a very clear answer: profound, structural demand. The need for space during life’s transitions—downsizing, moving, inheriting, or expanding a business—is a constant, making self-storage one of the most resilient asset classes in real estate.

Direct Equity Source Expands Income Fund Portfolio with Two New Self-Storage Properties in South Carolina

Direct Equity Source has expanded its Income Fund portfolio to 22 properties with the acquisition of two new self-storage facilities in York and Clover, South Carolina. The additions strengthen the firm’s presence in high-demand markets and are expected to provide both immediate income and long-term growth for investors. This move further diversifies the fund and reinforces the resilience of self-storage as a reliable real estate asset class.

Direct Equity Source Adds Walla Walla, Washington Storage Facility to its Current Fund

Direct Equity Source has added a storage facility in Walla Walla, Washington, to its Income Fund portfolio, marking the fund’s 20th property. The investment strengthens the firm’s presence in high-growth secondary markets and supports its strategy of targeting underserved regions with strong demand for self-storage. With a proven operations team in place, the acquisition aligns with Direct Equity Source’s mission to deliver predictable cash flow and long-term investor value.

Direct Equity Source Expands its Portfolio to 20 Self-Storage and Flex Space Properties

Direct Equity Source announced the expansion of its portfolio from 8 to 20 self-storage and flex space properties across Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Washington. The growth reflects strong investor confidence and rising demand for flexible commercial space, while strengthening the firm’s ability to deliver stable, income-producing assets. With a mix of stabilized and value-add properties, the company continues its disciplined approach to acquisitions and asset management in high-growth markets.

Direct Equity Source Featured in Exclusive Q&A with Two-Time Emmy Award Winner Jim Knox

Direct Equity Source was recently featured in an exclusive Q&A with two-time Emmy Award winner Jim Knox, highlighting the firm’s rapid growth from 8 to 20 properties and its unique approach to real estate investing. Marketing Manager Joel Duncan discussed the company’s strategy of focusing on resilient asset classes, upcoming developments, and commitment to delivering stable returns with transparency and disciplined management.

Special Message from Jim Knox | Why Self-Storage is the Smart Play

In this interview, Jim Knox sits down with Joel Duncan, Senior Business Development Manager at Direct Equity Source, to discuss why self-storage is one of the smartest plays in real estate investing today. Joel shares insights into the firm’s strategy, the advantages of self-storage during various economic cycles, the type of investors they work with, and how their diversified fund model sets them apart. With new projects underway across Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, Direct Equity Source is positioning itself for a strong year.

Rock and Rich Podcast – Unlocking Wealth: Opportunities Beyond the Wealthy

In this episode of the Rock and Rich podcast, we sit down with Joel Duncan, Marketing Manager for Direct Equity Source, to explore how the world of investing is changing. Joel pulls back the curtain on financial opportunities that used to be exclusive to the ultra-wealthy—from self-storage investments to RV parks and land development projects. We discuss how regular people can get a piece of the pie by tapping into emerging trends and using smart strategies like IRA-qualified investments and 1031 exchanges to maximize returns and defer taxes.

Direct Equity Source Announces Strategic Partnership with AAA Storage to Expand Self-Storage Portfolio

Direct Equity Source, a leading real estate private equity firm, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with AAA Storage, an industry-leading self-storage company.