#120 - How to Evaluate Markets, Properties, and Risks in Real Estate with Derrick Harris

What separates a solid real estate deal from a costly mistake? In this episode, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome Derrick Harris, SVP at Spartan Investment Group, to walk us through the real-world process of evaluating markets, properties, and operational risks. With a portfolio that spans millions of square feet, Derrick shares what works, what doesn’t, and what every investor should know, whether you're going passive or managing properties yourself. From feasibility studies and due diligence to team dynamics and tough lessons learned, this is your inside look at how pros protect investments and build real value.

Derrick Harris is the Senior Vice President of Portfolio Management at Spartan Investment Group, overseeing nearly 6 million square feet of self-storage across 15 states. With 25 years of experience in the industry, including a pivotal role at SureGuard Self Storage, Derrick brings unparalleled insight into operations, due diligence, and strategic market evaluation. In this episode, he shares what really makes or breaks a real estate investment behind the scenes.

Show notes:

(0:00) Intro

(04:38) Derrick's start in self-storage

(06:08) Lessons from industry legend Chuck Barbo

(09:56) Why community engagement matters

(15:20) Managing out-of-state properties

(18:37) What a feasibility study looks like

(21:06) Due diligence: what to inspect

(26:33) Developing real estate ‘spidey sense’

(30:31) Derrick's toughest property experience

(49:01) What to do when due diligence fails

(59:30) Outro

Connect with Derrick Harris:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickharrismba24 

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If you’re interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ 

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*Legal Disclaimer*

The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.