You read that right… Billion… with a B.

Ever feel like you started investing too late? Shelby Davis would tell you otherwise.

Shelby is an interesting character. After graduating with a Bachelor's in Russian History (an undergrad degree that raises eyebrows even today)...

He held a variety of jobs.

Speechwriter, statistician, and even a Deputy Superintendent of Insurance.

And it was the insurance world that eventually became his playground.

Even though he only worked in the industry for a handful of years, Davis developed a sharp understanding of how insurance companies worked.

So when he started investing, it only made sense to pour his initial capital into that sector.

And here’s where it gets interesting...

Most insurers at the time were selling well below their book value. It was the late 1940s, and many sectors were still reeling from the aftermath of World War II and the Great Depression.

Davis noticed a perfect storm of opportunity: large dividends, strong fundamentals, and policies that didn’t have to be paid out as people lived longer.

He realized that insurance companies were essentially hidden growth machines.

Fast forward a few years - his initial investment had already doubled.

Once trading at low multiples (P/Es of 3-4), insurance companies saw massive growth, with P/Es jumping to 15-20. Earnings soared, and so did their stock prices.

Davis called this the “Davis Double Play” - an investment strategy where he capitalized on both an increase in earnings and the market bidding up the company’s valuation multiple.

And it wasn’t like Davis sought out flashy, high-risk companies. He kept it simple:

• Strong fundamentals (no risky assets like junk bonds).
• Solid management teams he could trust.

Then, he did what most investors wouldn’t...

He held. For decades.

By the time he passed, his portfolio had achieved an astounding 23.2% annual return over 47 years.

That was enough to turn his initial $50,000 investment into over $900 million.

He didn’t need to predict the future or take wild risks. He just followed a simple, repeatable process:

1. Buy good companies in a sector you know well.
2. Don’t overpay for them.
3. Double down on what works.
4. And above all... hold on for the long haul.

Now, imagine if you could take a similar approach to real estate investments.

If you’re ready to find REITs with that same growth potential, the next step is easy.

👉 Download our guide on finding great REITs today​

Because here’s the thing—Shelby didn’t have a secret formula. He had patience, a solid strategy, and the willingness to stick to it.

Oliver