Self Storage Fund - Anyone worked with VanWest?

[Micki M.]

I received a proposal from VanWest Partners who are offering a syndication type fund for self storage properties. Other than their own website I'm struggling to find information on the company or partners. So I'm wondering if anyone here (especially in Denver where they are based) has worked with these guys or has thoughts on this type of investment?

I have several other apartment building syndications that have worked out wonderfully so I'm curious about branching out.

[Taylor L.]

I can't comment on VanWest (looked at their site and I haven't met any of their folks) but if you're looking for a good Denver-based self storage syndicator, my experience with Spartan Investment Group has been excellent. Just a passive investor with them, I don't get any compensation or whatever by pointing anybody their direction. 

[Roni E.]

I am not familiar with them but I do not run in self-storage circles. I would ask for a track record. I would also get an understanding of the fund. It seems it is always a game of the chicken and the egg. They raising funds and then going to buy a deal. As real estate is a hard asset I rather just invest into the deal and know it under contract and we have a better understanding of the 5 year projection. 

[Kyle Doney]

@Micki M. I am familiar with them from the SFH world. They flip and wholesale here and are legit. Didn't know they got into storage or know anything about their track record on that side.

[Jacob Vanderslice]

Hi folks - someone in our office noticed this mentioned about company, and prompted us to finally join Bigger Pockets - we've been listening to their podcasts for years and happy to finally be on the platform.  VanWest is a real estate investment company based out of Denver focusing on residential, retail, and mainly self storage.   We got into self storage about 5 years and now own facilities in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Illinois.  I've heard of Spartan - have not met them personally but have heard great things about their shop.  

[Rebecca Knox]

I haven't heard of them but Scott Krone/Coda Management is a trusted self-storage expert and offers the same thing. He will be speaking at our next event: 

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/861881-self-storage-investing