Doug Van Soest
About Doug Van Soest
Doug Van Soest and his wife Andrea own Storology Storage, a family-owned self-storage company with seven facilities in Texas and New Mexico. Storology operates three facilities in Tyler, two in Roswell, and one each in Athens and Crowley.
Doug’s real estate experience began before Storology. He spent about seven years as a California Certified Residential Appraiser with Signature Appraisal Services. His former California credential was AR032374.
Doug and Andrea have been buying residential real estate together since 2008. They later expanded into commercial real estate and self-storage acquisitions.
Doug’s Role at Storology Storage
Doug works on property acquisitions, facility operations and the customer experience across Storology’s locations. His appraisal and real estate background helps him evaluate properties, understand local markets and make decisions about facility improvements and growth.
At Storology, the focus is straightforward:
- Clean and secure facilities
- Convenient drive-up access
- Online rentals and payments
- Clear information about pricing, access and unit options
- Storage choices that fit the needs of each local market
Storology serves households, students, small businesses, contractors and customers storing vehicles, boats and RVs. Available unit types, features and access options vary by location.
Education and Credentials
Before moving into real estate investing full time, Doug worked as a California Certified Residential Appraiser from approximately 2003 through 2010.
He earned a B.A. in Management and Organizational Communication from Point Loma Nazarene University in 1999.
Doug and Andrea also co-hosted the Spouses Flipping Houses podcast, where they discussed real estate investing, business operations and lessons from their residential home-buying business.
Commitment to the Communities Storology Serves
Customers often come to Storology while moving, downsizing, renovating a home, attending college, making room for business inventory or storing a vehicle, boat or RV.
Doug’s focus is keeping the rental process straightforward, providing clear information about access and unit options, and maintaining facilities customers can use with confidence.
Professional Accomplishments
Doug’s professional experience includes:
- Co-owning Storology Storage, which operates seven facilities in Texas and New Mexico
- Working for about seven years as a California Certified Residential Appraiser
- Buying residential real estate with Andrea since 2008
- Expanding into commercial real estate and self-storage acquisitions
- Co-hosting the Spouses Flipping Houses real estate and business podcast
- Contributing expert commentary to publications covering self-storage, real estate and business operations
Industry Mentions and Media Features
Doug has been interviewed or quoted about self-storage, property acquisitions, real estate investing and business operations. Selected coverage includes:
CREXi: How a Multifamily & Self Storage Owner Sources New Deals with Intelligence
Doug discusses property research, owner outreach and sourcing self-storage acquisitions.
ConsumerAffairs: How Do Storage Units Work?
Doug explains rental agreements, storage-unit types, sizing, pricing and insurance.
ConsumerAffairs: How to Pack Paintings for Moving
Doug discusses climate-controlled storage and protecting artwork during a move.
StorageCafe: Feeling Overwhelmed by Clutter? How to Start Decluttering in 10 Easy Steps
Doug shares his perspective on the cost of keeping belongings that are no longer being used.
Redfin: Real Estate Investing for Beginners: 12 Expert Tips
Doug discusses using comparable sales and local market data when evaluating a property.
CNBC: Home Flippers Get Creative as Competition Heats Up
CNBC covers Doug’s experience shifting from foreclosure listings to direct homeowner outreach.
Inman: San Diego Housing Market Not Out of Steam — Yet
Inman identifies Doug and Andrea as Southern California real estate investors active since 2008.
