Self Storage Income

Is buying self storage facilities a surefire path to building wealth? In this episode, we’ll show you why buying a small, mom-and-pop operation might be the perfect alternative to residential real estate. For those who don’t want the tenant headaches of long-term rentals or the unpredictable income of short-term rentals, this episode is for you!   Today, AJ and George are sharing self storage success stories from everyday investors who are increasing their facility’s value by six figures (while working full-time), using 10%-down SBA (Small Business Administration) loans to buy facilities, and scaling their income without the stress of other asset classes. The best part? These aren’t unicorn stories. They’re repeatable models rooted in solid deal analysis and smart operations.   Whether you’re just getting into real estate investing or you’re tired of tenants and toilets, we’ll show you why self storage gives you more control over your property’s revenue and value. We’ll break down the operating expenses you’ll need to consider when analyzing deals, what to make of cap rates, and how to quickly scale from small operations to much larger, high-value investments! What you’ll learn in today’s show:   The pros and cons of buying self storage versus other asset classes AJ’s simple, three-pronged business model for new self storage investors Unearthing HUGE opportunity with under-optimized, mom-and-pop facilities Buying facilities with 10%-down SBA (Small Business Administration) loans Cap rates explained and how to (properly) analyze a self storage deal Why self storage gives you more control over expenses, pricing, and valuation Self storage operating expenses you can’t afford to overlook   Check out our Inner Circle:  https://www.selfstorageincome.com/inner-circle    Check out the video podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AJOsborneOfficial/videos 

How much does it pay to have a cell tower on your property? Most self storage owners don’t realize that cell tower leases can be extremely profitable. But they can also bind you to a long-term agreement that might not be in your best interest. How do you get the best of both worlds: an extra income stream plus a cell phone tower lease that gives YOU flexibility to sell, refinance, or develop your property? Hugh Odom from Vertical Consultants is here to help.  Hugh has probably looked at more cell phone tower leases than anyone on the planet. He’s been helping storage facility owners get the best bang for their buck on cell tower space for years by negotiating contracts with tower companies and providers. Today, he shares how to get top dollar for your space, WITHOUT locking yourself into a bad lease. Plus, what do cell phone towers pay in rent? $500/month? $5,000/month? And how do you know how much your facility could charge for a cell tower on your land? Or maybe you’ve bought a facility with a cell tower lease already in place—can you renegotiate for more? Yes! Today, Hugh is showing you how! What you’ll learn in today’s show: How much cell phone tower leases make, and whether it’s worth it for self storage owners Renegotiating with cell phone tower companies if you’ve inherited a lease on a new property  Pitfalls to watch for before you sign a lease with a cell phone tower company  New AI cell tower lease tools to help YOU get the most rent possible  One MASSIVE fee cell tower companies can charge you (watch out for it!)    — - Self Storage Income 34 - The In’s and Out’s of Cell Towers with Hugh Odom | How to do them Right https://www.selfstorageincome.com/podcasts/self-storage-income-2/episodes/2147769088  - Self Storage Income 233 - Can you Make Money from Cell Towers on your Storage Property? https://www.selfstorageincome.com/podcasts/self-storage-income-2/episodes/2148549342  - Vertical Consultants. https://www.celltowerleaseexperts.com/  - Cell Tower AI https://celltowerai.com/  __ 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us: https://cedar.cc/invest 

Thinking of buying a self storage facility? If you’re like most people, you’ve been thinking about it for a while. You see self storage deals come up in your emails or on listing sites. You get close to pulling the trigger, but haven’t quite gotten there yet. What’s the deal? Why does it seem so hard to finally buy your first self storage facility?    You’re not alone. In today’s episode, we’re describing why this “analysis paralysis” happens, how to break through it, and finally buy a self storage investment.     We break down why so many investors never close that first facility—and how to move past fear, doubt, and analysis paralysis. Whether you’re unsure about risk, buried in underwriting, or just can’t pull the trigger, this episode gives you the mindset, framework, and tools to finally buy a storage facility the right way.   We’re not talking fluff. We’re talking tactical risk management, how to build your buy box, what really holds people back from buying their first self storage facility, and how to cut through the noise to take action. Plus, an exercise you can do RIGHT now to prove to yourself a deal is worth buying and that you can handle getting it done!    What you’ll learn in today’s show:   The real reason you haven’t bought your first self storage investment yet  How to break through analysis paralysis and build confidence to finally buy A three-step risk mitigation framework to help you quantify risks and make smart, confident buying decisions Why waiting for the “perfect” signal is a trap—and how the best deals are often made when others are afraid (like right now!)  The mindset shift that top investors make to go from fear to execution  Useful links!  Buying your first facility- https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/buying-your-first-self-storage-facility  Storage investing 101- https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/self-storage-investing-101  Underwriting 101- https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/self-storage-underwriting-101 

The self storage industry is going through a significant shift. A few years ago, sellers were in complete control—asking wild prices and still landing buyers willing to overpay for facilities that weren’t worth it. Fast forward to today, the stock market has crashed, a recession looks likely, and those same sellers aren’t as confident. This is good news for you, a self storage buyer, because the deals are coming back with big discounts.  Today, we’re giving a self storage market update, plus sharing the steps self storage investing beginners should take to separate the “signals” that lead you to wealth from the “noise” that puts you in hot water. We’ve been through this exact scenario multiple times, 2008 and 2020. Both times, the markets had crashed, and people were begging us not to buy. But we ignored the “noise”—and benefited handsomely.  The current shift affecting the self storage industry could get even more intense. New development could drop off a cliff, and that has enormous effects on self storage owners. Is your demand going to rise or fall? What’s the best way to make more money in a time like this? And why would a recession turn out to be good for storage?  What you’ll learn in today’s show:  May 2025 self storage industry update and why market crashes/recessions could benefit storage Everything a beginner should look for if buying their first facility in 2025  How to tell the economic “signals” from the “noise” and which to pay attention to The incoming development drop-off that has massive effects for self storage investors and operators  Local trends that could kill your facility’s demand (and the data to check before you buy) — Self Storage Income Newsletter  https://www.selfstorageincome.com/  The Bubble has Popped - Self Storage Market Update | SSI Podcast #203 https://youtu.be/4hci2laBTGk?si=X7r3NEmRwxFgNgNj  Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! We seriously love them. https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/   Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast 

When we started Self Storage Income, there were just two of us. We were quickly burning through tens of thousands of dollars a month, giving out as much free information as possible to anyone investing or looking to invest in self storage. And today, we’ve upgraded…now it’s costing us hundreds of thousands to keep this podcast and platform going. So… why keep doing it? In this episode, we’re sharing the entire backstory of Self Storage Income. But we’ve also got a very special guest: George Mortimer, the brains behind Self Storage Income and AJ’s first hire to run the entire operation! AJ, Connor, and George are sharing how Self Storage Income started, why we give so much information away for free, how the podcast grew so rapidly (thank you for listening), and how making your competitors better ends up helping you. If you’re a long-time listener of the podcast, we want to thank you for helping us build the self storage industry that we’re proud of today! If you love the show, please give us a review on your favorite podcast platform so we can reach more self storage investors and operators!   What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why (and how) Self Storage Income started and why we share industry-leading information for free The real reason we’re happy to break even on giving away education for self storage investors  New self storage services we’re providing that will upgrade your facility and portfolio  Why having competent competitors will actually make YOU richer in the long run Our secret weapon behind Self Storage Income and the brains running the operation — Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0   https://www.selfstorageincome.com/book  The Inner Circle  https://www.selfstorageincome.com/inner-circle  Get our FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast  📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🖊️ Enter our survey for a chance to win a signed copy of AJ’s Book: https://form.asana.com/?k=da0pR8v74pC8OEgx9dgKRQ&d=1203571084143207 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! We seriously love them. https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/

Partnerships can be a huge net positive for your self storage business, especially if the partner brings something different to the table. Unfortunately, they’re also the number one reason self storage deals fall through, and when partnerships fail, it’s messy. Good news—today, we’ll show you how to set up your partnership for success. What’s the key to a long and profitable partnership? You need to prepare for the worst first—divorce, death, and dissolution—and work back from there. In this episode, AJ and Connor will show you how to do just that. You’ll learn about some costly mistakes to avoid and some major red flags to watch out for when teaming up with other investors, and AJ will even share his biggest wins and losses from past partnerships. If you’re new to self storage investing, maybe you don’t possess the knowledge, experience, or capital to take down a self storage facility on your own. But you might have the one thing wealthy investors don’t have—time. Hunt down the right deal and investors will flock to YOU. Don’t believe us? Stick around and find out why! What you’ll learn in today’s show: The number one reason why most self storage deals fall through How to properly structure your own self storage partnership The three financial “mechanisms” to account for in a partnership AJ’s biggest wins and losses from current and past partnerships The easiest way to create value that attracts other (wealthy) investors The only way to maintain “control” in a self storage partnership — Get the AJ Osborne Newsletter https://www.selfstorageincome.com/newsletters/aj-osborne-playbook  Join the SSI Community https://www.selfstorageincome.com/learn  Join the Inner Circle https://www.selfstorageincome.com/inner-circle  __ 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! We seriously love them. https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/    🖊️ Enter our survey for a chance to win a signed copy of AJ’s Book: https://form.asana.com/?k=da0pR8v74pC8OEgx9dgKRQ&d=1203571084143207

Self storage has been a “goldilocks” asset for the last 15 years, but it’s a little harder to find opportunity today. If you’re willing to get your hands dirty, though, you can create massive value with self storage conversion projects, and just one or two of these deals could make you VERY wealthy! Today, we’re chatting with Chris Genard and Ronald Fremin—college friends turned self storage investors and co-founders of Safe Space Companies. By combining Chris’ acquisitions expertise and Ronald’s construction background, the duo has built a portfolio of 12 self storage facilities, nine of which were converted from old buildings—including bowling alleys, hospitals, and big box retail stores. In this episode, you’ll learn how buying these properties at a deep discount and repurposing them for storage can be a highly profitable strategy!  If you stick around, Chris and Ronald will show you the pros and cons of ground-up construction and conversions, how to find and analyze conversion deals, and the secrets to maximizing your square footage and increasing revenue. Whether you’re looking to buy your first facility, develop new facilities, or convert old buildings into storage, there’s something in this episode for you! What you’ll learn in today’s show: How Chris and Ronald built their self storage empire from scratch Turning a huge profit by converting old buildings into self storage facilities Creative ways to maximize your facility’s square footage (and revenue!) How to find and analyze potential self storage conversion deals The pros and cons of ground-up construction and converted facilities — Safe Space Companies - https://www.safespacecompanies.com  📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🖊️ Enter our survey for a chance to win a signed copy of AJ’s NEW Book: https://form.asana.com/?k=da0pR8v74pC8OEgx9dgKRQ&d=1203571084143207 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's book for $1 teaching you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 📉 Take advantage of our current self storage deals HERE: https://cedar.cc/invest 

Self storage is a seasonal business, so if you’re not capitalizing on the busy and slow seasons, you risk your entire year of revenue. Why do we raise rates in the winter, strategically encourage tenant turnover before spring, and constantly obsess over occupancy by unit size? Today, we’re bringing on Jesse Harmon, Cedar Creek’s Director of Revenue Optimization, to reveal our proven game plan for self storage seasonality. This WILL make or break your facility, so get this RIGHT!   We’re about to enter (if not already in) the “busy” season of self storage. People are moving, spring homebuying is picking up, and you BETTER have units ready to lease at your facility—at the highest price possible. Have units below market rates that need to reach street-level pricing? Jesse shares the data to look at before putting in a rent raise and how to “test” higher rents so you can keep the most high-paying customers.   Next, we’re talking about leads: how to get them at a low cost—or even for free—and which marketing services we use most to fill our pipeline with self storage renters. Plus, before paying a service six months’ rent to get a customer, calculate this CRUCIAL metric to see precisely how much you should pay per lead.  What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Self-storage seasonality and how we optimize for busy and slow seasons  “Testing” new rental rates and the one metric that is a sign you can raise rents higher Why you WANT move-outs (especially in one season) to maximize your facility’s revenue  The metrics you should be looking at every day to guide what moves to make at your facility Marketing tactics we use to get more leads and customers while keeping costs low Helpful Related Articles: Calculating For Marketing: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/market-dynamics-key-metrics-and-Insights-for-smart-investments  How To Increase Revenue:  https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/how-to-increase-revenue-in-self-storage-investing Why Occupancy Doesn't Matter The Way You Think it Does:  https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/why-occupancy-doesn-t-matter-in-self-storage  — Resources Mentioned: 📉 NowMetrics: https://nowmetrics.co/ 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/   🎙️ Apply to be a Guest On Self Storage Income HERE: https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207  

Self storage is much more than a piece of real estate, and if you’re not “in the business of storage,” your investment is doomed to fail. Today, AJ and Conner will give you the blueprint for running not just a functional self storage facility but a profitable self storage business you can scale! Your customers might see a large metal box, but there is much more going on behind the scenes of your self storage business—including people, operations, systems, and processes—that will make or break your success. In this episode, AJ winds back the clock and shares why he got into self storage investing in the first place, the four “pillars” he used to build his business, and the secrets that allowed him to scale a company that is now worth several hundred million dollars! Along the way, you’ll learn why you need to prioritize talent—even if it means taking a temporary cash flow hit—and how to transition from “wearing many hats” to creating specialized roles and departments in your business. You’ll also learn the dos and don’ts of people management and why you can’t afford to stop learning, even as you delegate responsibilities! What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to build and run a profitable self storage business in 2025 The four-bucket strategy AJ used to build his own company The number one mistake that causes new self storage owners to fail Common operational expenses that many investors don’t account for How to effectively manage the people within your self storage business The one thing you can’t afford to do when hiring a new employee — Enter our survey for a chance to win a signed copy of AJ’s NEW Book - https://form.asana.com/?k=da0pR8v74pC8OEgx9dgKRQ&d=1203571084143207  Sign up for the Self Storage Income newsletter - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/newsletter/ 

Trump’s tariffs are back, and they could send shockwaves through the self storage industry. With new tariffs on building materials, development costs are rising, demand is shifting, and investors need to prepare. Whether you’re a self storage owner, developer, or investor, these US tariffs could impact everything from occupancy to rental rates and long-term supply and demand. At the time of this recording, Trump’s tariff policies remain in place, affecting trade with Mexico, Canada, and China. With uncertainty surrounding US tariff negotiations, how will these changes reshape the self storage industry? Will new restrictions drive rents up, slow development, or create unexpected opportunities? We’re explaining the first, second, and third-order consequences of these tariffs, breaking down how they affect self storage investors at every level—from REITs to mom-and-pop operators. Plus, what lessons can we learn from previous tariffs and economic cycles, and how should you adjust your self storage investing strategy moving forward? What you’ll learn in today’s show:   How Trump’s tariffs could impact self storage development costs Why higher steel prices could slow new facilities and reduce supply How shifting trade relationships with Mexico, Canada, and China affect self storage industry players What happened in 2018’s US tariff cycle and what it means for today Whether storage rental demand will rise as new development projects stall (good news for owners?)  Why you MUST update your underwriting/analysis for these new tariffs  — Why U.S. Debt is Everyone’s Problem (Including Yours) - https://youtu.be/DFDZwj64EeQ?si=9yppssHb01hhcWUr

Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast    Brady McDonald is not only a fellow self storage investor but also the founder of Barefoot Land Co., a company that specializes in acquiring and entitling land for self storage development. Only a few years ago, Brady owned a large portfolio of rental properties in Canada. But when he realized that “you can’t eat equity” and needed more cash flow, he packed up his young family, moved to the US, and started a business that sources land off-market, entitles it, and then sells it to other developers. He has even developed a couple of his own self storage facilities, too!   In this episode, Brady shares his journey into self storage investing, the major changes he’s noticing throughout the self storage industry, and the steps he takes when analyzing a market for development opportunities. Stay tuned if you want to know where rental rates are headed and where class A storage could take off in 2025! What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Crucial metrics to look at when analyzing a self storage market Forecasting where storage rental rates are headed in the next 12 months The “smaller” markets where class A storage could explode in 2025 Building a cash-flowing business to offset low-cash-flow investments Brady’s journey from residential real estate to self storage investing  — Barefoot Land Co.: https://www.barefootlandco.com Brady’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brady.mcdonald84   📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 📑 Our Self-Storage Feasibility Studies will help you speed up the process in understanding markets, potential risks, and analyzing the facility itself.  https://cedar.cc/feasibility-studies/  🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the Self Storage Income or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here!  https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207  📖 Get AJ's book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq  📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us:  https://cedar.cc/invest

Self storage “deals of a lifetime” are already hitting the market!  Is the self storage deal drought over? It’s certainly starting to feel like it. More and more self storage investments are now making financial sense at prices sellers are willing to accept—and we’re taking full advantage. If you’ve been waiting to buy your first or next self storage facility, this may be the perfect time to get in, as sellers are FINALLY waking up to reality and considering offers well below asking price. We’ve already got multiple deals under contract this year, but this buyer’s market will NOT last long. Why are sellers finally starting to come around? Is it due to low buyer demand or high interest rates lasting too long? There are multiple factors forcing sellers to reconsider offers that they would have, up until recently, laughed at. So, how do YOU take advantage now and acquire assets that’ll be home-run deals in just a few years?  We’re walking you through how to get in the game, build your self storage investment “buy box,” and score a “deal of a lifetime” before the market flips back to the seller’s side. What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why self storage sellers are finally starting to accept under-asking price offers The new buyer’s market forming and how long it could last  The one thing you MUST do before you start making offers on storage facilities  Why it will cost you to NOT make offers (even on “overpriced” deals) Beginner-friendly self storage facilities with ZERO competition from the big players Scoring a 30% price reduction on a facility everyone else overlooked!  — Self Storage Inner Circle - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/inner-circle   

Can you use AI to run a self storage facility? Yes, and it can do it better than you can. Don’t worry; AI (artificial intelligence) won’t take your checks and put them into its artificial bank account. You’ll still keep all the profits. But, thanks to massive leaps in technology, you can use AI to streamline and optimize almost every part of your self storage business, from customer support to revenue management, drafting lease agreements, and even underwriting deals for you! Today we’re sharing how we’re using AI in 2025 to boost our self storage profits, reduce our team’s busy work, and find opportunities for us. We’ll walk through the six ways AI can help any storage operator, whether they’re a large or small investor. We’re talking about operations, marketing, revenue management, customer retention, business strategy, and legal and compliance. If you’ve got a couple of storage facilities and you’re running them by yourself, these integrations can help cut your workload in half so you have more time to focus on building your portfolio. For larger operators, we’ve seen these additions massively trim the busy work (and costs that come with it) we’re used to dealing with daily. AI is a game-changer IF you use it the right way. Good news: we’re explaining exactly how to do that.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to use AI (artificial intelligence) to make MORE money from your facility with less work Using AI to analyze key customer trends so you keep more monthly revenue  Pinpointing the “gaps” in the market to beat out all other storage operators in the area Getting more five-star customer reviews with a simple AI outreach template   The one thing you MUST have a professional look over AFTER AI gives you a first draft  AI investment analysis and underwriting so you can review deals even faster (and make moves on the best ones)  — Self Storage Income Newsletter  - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/  Nokē Smart Entry - https://www.janusintl.com/products/noke 

Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast  What’s one of the best ways to make more money with your current storage facility? You’ve probably already considered tenant protection insurance, selling moving supplies, or building more units to boost your income, but what about hosting RV rentals? RV self storage isn’t new, and many storage owners have already caught onto the fact that RV and boat parking can bring in considerable revenue without building more units. But what if, like U-Haul trucks, you become the operator for RV rentals all from your storage facility? Garr Russell and Mark Beasley from Fireside RV Rental are making this income stream dream a reality for self storage owners all across the country. As a self storage owner, you can get a cut of the revenue by providing parking and pickup space for RV owners renting out their vehicles. If you’ve got parking and an operator who can handle on-site rentals, you might have everything you need to increase your facility’s income. So, how does it work? Which storage facilities can get in on it? And is it worth the small amount of effort? Garr and Mark walk through the entire process and why this may be the ultimate win-win-win for storage operators, RV owners, and RV renters, resulting in more money from the same self storage facility!    What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why RV self storage is a no-brainer for those with storage facilities and extra space  What you’ll need to start renting out RVs from your self storage facility  How much the RV owner and self storage facility can make through these rentals  The reason this business model is booming and why it’s a perfect time for storage owners to get in  How to make even more money off RV rentals by installing specific perks at your facility — Fireside RV Rental: https://firesidervrental.com/ My Wheel Estate Story: https://www.mywheelestatestory.com/freebook-v2

Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast  Is self storage in trouble? Not exactly, but we need to adapt to avoid suffering the same fate as the hotel industry. Today’s guest has had his finger on the pulse of the self storage industry since the 1980s, and he’s going to share where we’re at and where we’re headed! We had the opportunity to chat with Steve Mirabito, who is not only the founder and president of StoragePRO but also a board member for Storelocal, the largest self storage co-op in the world. In this episode, he winds the clock back nearly 40 years and shares about his journey into self storage and the challenges he faced early on. You’ll learn all about the birth of the industry, the role Steve played in popularizing this asset class, and how self storage has evolved since.  Most importantly, where does the industry stand today, and what can investors expect going forward? Steve will share his unique perspective on some of the biggest opportunities and threats in self storage, the lessons investors can learn from the rise and fall of the hotel industry, and the number one thing you need to prepare for in 2025 and the years ahead! What you’ll learn in today’s show: The number one thing self storage investors need to prepare for Why self storage owners should start overlaying the “valet” storage model Steve’s journey to becoming a major player in self storage development How the self storage industry has evolved since the 1980s Why all independent operators should join a self storage co-op What self storage investors can learn from the hospitality industry StoragePRO: https://www.storagepro.com StoragePRO Management: https://www.storagepromanagement.com  📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ Mentioned article: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/the-self-storage-industry-a-brief-overview  📑 Our Self-Storage Feasibility Studies will help you speed up the process in understanding markets, potential risks, and analyzing the facility itself. https://cedar.cc/feasibility-studies/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the Self Storage Income podcast? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage ! https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us: https://cedar.cc/invest 

Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast  Most people don’t realize it, but self storage facility insurance can kill your deal. Fires, tornados, hurricanes, and winter storms are making it more and more costly to protect your facility, and rising prices could eat into the profit margin you worked so hard to create. How do you keep your insurance prices reasonable while still protecting your property? Are insurance premiums about to skyrocket again, or is 2025 the year they finally “level off”?  We own a lot of self storage, but we aren’t insurance specialists, so we brought one on to help YOU get the most coverage at the lowest cost.  Terry Campbell is the expert in self storage. He’s done everything from building to lending, operating, and educating on self storage investing, but now, he’s tackling a bigger beast: self storage insurance.    If you’re new to self storage investing, this is an episode you MUST listen to before buying your first property. If you’ve been investing in storage for a while, you already know how pricey premiums have gotten, and Terry’s tips can help you save some serious cash when it’s time for renewal.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: What’s behind the recent insurance crisis and why 2025 may finally be a “leveling off” point How to factor insurance price hikes into your underwriting for new and existing facilities Why more and more facilities are moving to “self-insuring” even at its high cost  Expert tips to lower your insurance premiums and when to (and when NOT to) shop other carriers  Terry’s top picks for self storage insurance carriers who can cover your facility  Johnson Insurance: https://gojohnsoninsurance.com/  Email Terry: [email protected]  📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/  📑 Our Self-Storage Feasibility Studies will help you speed up the process in understanding markets, potential risks, and analyzing the facility itself.  https://cedar.cc/feasibility-studies/  📉 Our current investment opportunities: https://cedar.cc/invest

Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast  In this episode of Self Storage Income, Conner breaks down the key strategies for maximizing self-storage profits through seasonality management, smart marketing, and operational efficiency. Learn how to adjust your approach throughout the year to maintain high occupancy rates, reduce costs, and boost revenue. What You’ll Discover: 📈 How to optimize marketing budgets for seasonal shifts ❄️ The impact of seasonality on self-storage occupancy 🔑 Strategies for managing employees and operations year-round 🛠 Essential maintenance tips to avoid costly mistakes 💡 How to scale your self-storage business efficiently Whether you're new to self-storage investing or managing multiple facilities, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you succeed in any market condition. 🎧 Tune in now to unlock your facility’s full potential! 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 📑 Our Self-Storage Feasibility Studies will help you speed up the process in understanding markets, potential risks, and analyzing the facility itself. https://cedar.cc/feasibility-studies/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 

Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast Ready to achieve financial freedom? In this episode of Self Storage Income, we share real-life case studies of people building wealth through self-storage investing. Discover how beginners used creative strategies like seller financing, SBA loans, and partnerships to secure deals and grow their income. We break down key topics, including: How to raise capital for self-storage deals. Negotiating with banks and investors in a high-interest-rate market. Structuring deals to maximize cash flow and value. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed. Don’t miss out—listen now and start your journey to financial freedom! Listen to Charles tell his story: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/podcasts/self-storage-income-2/episodes/2148881990  Links: 📌 Tenant Inc. - Streamline your property management with cutting-edge tools. https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Live Oak Bank – Our trusted go-to for self-storage financing, including SBA loans. https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 💻 Our Private Facebook Community Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/selfstorageincome/ 📖 Grab the book for more insights into structuring deals and building wealth through self-storage! https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 

Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast  The last few years have been difficult for real estate, self storage included. Is there finally light at the end of the tunnel? Today, we’re giving you our high-level, self storage industry outlook for 2025. Whether you’re a long-time investor or brand new to the industry, you’re about to learn why NOW is the time to invest in self storage! After a three-year down period, we are finally turning the corner and entering a new cycle. If you’re an investor, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about where self storage is headed. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, there’s no better time to get into the game than right now. And this isn’t just false optimism. We’re so bullish that we’re buying and developing our own facilities in 2025! In this episode, we’re reflecting on 2024, diving into the data, and giving you an investing roadmap for the next 12 months and beyond. Tune in to learn which markets offer the most opportunity for small investors and how YOU can take advantage of an enormous transfer of facilities that will occur by 2030. What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why NOW is the best time for new investors to get into self storage The enormous self storage “transfer” that will happen by 2030 The third and fourth-tier markets that offer huge opportunities for small investors Why we are primed to see a self storage development boom in the US How new investors can take advantage of waning interest in self storage Why good assets at fair prices always trump bad assets at great prices 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! We seriously love them. https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/  🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us: https://cedar.cc/invest 

Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast  What does it take to buy your first self storage facility? Just ask Ben Kall, whose first investment was a $1.5M facility after having ZERO experience in the industry. Sounds like a big jump, doesn’t it? Thankfully, Ben is going to show you how to do the same today, explaining how to buy a storage facility (even with no previous experience in investing), work with banks, and manage a business. But don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds! Ben has a handful of do’s and don’ts he’s sharing with us in this episode, and we go through everything! From structuring your loan with the bank to why you should treat your self storage facility like a hotel, seller financing and creative financing terms that are working for Ben, and building your buy box so you can achieve financial freedom! Ben has grown quickly, going from zero self storage to 125,000 net rentable square feet in under a decade. He’s been able to take home six figures in cash flow (seriously!) and has amassed a sizable portfolio in a very short amount of time. This is a masterclass in buying your first facility and scaling up!   What you’ll learn in today’s show: The do’s and don’ts of buying your first self storage facility  The creative financing offers Ben uses to get sellers to accept  How to negotiate with banks and lenders so you get better terms Why you want to treat your facility like a hotel and put convenience first  Picking the right partners and why this is crucial if you want to scale faster  The “buy box” you must build BEFORE you buy a facility 📷 Ben’s Businesses and Instagram: https://www.mn-storage.com/ https://www.waukeestorage.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ben_kall_/  Links:  📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 📑 Our Self-Storage Feasibility Studies will help you speed up the process in understanding markets, potential risks, and analyzing the facility itself.  https://cedar.cc/feasibility-studies/  🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here!  https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207  📖 Get AJ's book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq  📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us:  https://cedar.cc/invest

Want to buy a storage facility? Then you’ll need self storage financing—and you’ll want to know where to go BEFORE you find your first (or next) self storage investment. So, today, I brought on one of my favorite lenders, Live Oak Bank, to teach you how to finance a storage facility, no matter how much experience you have or how many facilities you’ve bought. They’ll reveal exactly what they need to see from you to lend, the biggest beginner mistakes that stop you from closing, and their outlook for 2025.   Anna Taylor and Bishesh Shrestha have worked with self storage investors for over a decade. At Live Oak, they lend to self storage investors just like you and even own some self storage investments themselves. But Live Oak isn’t like any other bank—they focus on self storage, SBA loans, and making your life WAY easier when buying a storage facility.   I went to their Wilmington, North Carolina headquarters to record the most value-packed episode on self storage financing around. Today, we’re talking about SBA loans, why they often wrongly get a bad rap, how to use them to buy your first or next facility, and why you should NOT get them from any regular lender. We talk about why Live Oak actually loves seller financing in a deal, how long they take to close, what down payment you’ll most likely need, and what to know in 2025 as interest rates and lending requirements have changed.    What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why the SBA 7(a) loan is such a powerful financing option for self storage investors How much of a down payment you’ll need to bring for an SBA loan  Creating a win-win for sellers (and you) by offering a seller financing component to your deal (lower interest rate!) The #1 reason you MUST get underwritten by a lender BEFORE you start making offers  Biggest beginner mistakes that stop new investors from closing on their first facility  🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 

The self storage industry will change in 2025, and it could make you (and many others) very wealthy. In this episode, we’re giving our 2025 self-storage industry outlook, breaking down our predictions for 2025, what self-storage investors can expect, and why this could be one of the greatest years yet for self-storage investing.  We’ve just come out of a market-defining cycle. The “easy investing” ended in 2022, and since then, self storage operators have suffered. Discounted rates, low occupancy, endless supply, and deal-breaking interest rates have plagued us. Thankfully, that just booted a ton of your competition out of the market.  We believe 2025 could be one of the most critical years in self storage, and we’re making BIG moves. If you want to hear exactly what we’re doing to ensure we grow our portfolio in 2025, what we’re looking to buy, and how we’re finding deals, stick around. These are our 2025 self storage predictions; if you miss them, you could miss out on an opportunity that might not resurface for decades.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: Our 2025 self storage industry forecast and predictions for the next year Why the market cycle has flipped and whether or not we’re heading into a bull market The massive opportunities that are coming your way in 2025 (and where to find them) One thing to be aware of that could RUIN your self storage investment no matter your experience  Our investing plans for 2025 and where we’re finding deals to buy  The biggest barriers to entry for new self storage investors in 2025 (and how to get over them)  _____________ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ Inner Circle: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/inner-circle 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 

The self storage industry is about to see a major shift in 2025. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines or waiting out market turbulence, now’s the time to get in the game. We’re entering a new cycle with plenty of opportunities for new investors, but if you blink, you’ll miss out!   In today’s episode, AJ and Conner are reflecting on 2024 and offering a high-level view of what’s to come in 2025. Along the way, we’ll be answering your questions! Tune in to learn how YOU can take advantage of huge investing opportunities in the coming year. We cover some of the best ways to find and fund self storage deals, where to find your “boots on the ground” when investing remotely, how to leverage your retirement accounts to invest, and much more.   Want to know how to analyze a new market and where to set rent rates? We’ll show you how! But that’s not all. We’ll also share the tools, software, and systems WE use to manage our investments and keep our facilities secure. Worried that your customers will get left behind as you implement new technology? Not to fear—use our strategy to bring them along!   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Our forecast for the self storage industry in 2025 and beyond Creative ways to find (and fund) your next self storage deal How to seamlessly transition your customers over to new technology Why “quality” trumps “quantity” when it comes to self storage leads The BEST camera systems and software to implement at your facility The ideal unit vacancy rate for any facility (and when to raise rates!) Leveraging your retirement accounts to invest in self storage Live Oak Bank: https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ Hummingbird: https://www.tenantinc.com/products/hummingbird UniFi: https://ui.com/camera-security Radius: https://www.radiusplus.com/ ESRI: https://www.esri.com/ 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/

Buying vs. building storage units: which is the better choice, especially for beginners? Is buying a pre-fab (kit) facility better than building one from scratch? Or does buying a run-down self storage facility with value-add potential outperform building due to lower costs? We brought back an all-time favorite episode with investor Matt Wallace to get you some answers.   Matt has done both—buying and building storage units. He’s taken run-down facilities and made them top performers, as well as taking a plot of land and turning it into a 100% occupied self storage facility. Which one does HE think is the better investment? And would he advise a beginner to start with self storage new builds?    In this episode, Matt gives a masterclass on the pros and cons of building storage units, who should (and shouldn’t) be doing it, what you MUST know before you start building, and how he “makes” phenomenal self storage deals that most other investors miss.    What you’ll learn in today’s show: Buying vs. building self storage facilities and which is better for beginners  How Matt filled up a brand new facility (250+ units!) in under three months!  The building timeline and why it’s (probably) going to take longer than you think Why you DO NOT want to buy a “self storage kit” and build it yourself  How to win a self storage deal even if you feel out of the race  — Connect with Matt: https://wealthfit.com/expert/matt-wallace/  Connect with Ben, Cedar Creek’s Debt Expert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-benditson-291a6010/  — 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us: https://cedar.cc/invest

This isn’t going to be a regular podcast episode. So many of you want to get into self storage, build your business, scale bigger, find financial freedom, and achieve the impossible. I’m directly talking to every one of you in today’s episode as I share the most critical trait of successful people, one that has helped me scale to a level I didn’t even know was possible. If you listen and learn from what I’m about to share, your world will change for the better.   Everyone is trying to show you the step-by-step plan to build wealth/a business or buy real estate. The problem? They never discuss the one specific skill that you MUST cultivate if you’re going to succeed in this business. As soon as I learned what it was and how to use it, I was able to make better decisions, grow faster, and spot opportunities that 99% of people will overlook.   You can essentially make your own luck (like I have) if you take what I’m saying to heart. If you’re tired of feeling tired, want to go out and make yourself proud, and build something that will help you and your family, 2025 is the year to do it. So, before 2024 ends, listen to this episode. You won’t regret it.   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   The #1 skill of successful entrepreneurs that allows them to build/scale quicker  How to “make your own luck” and let opportunities flow your way  The “first principles” you MUST be aware of when growing/scaling your self storage business  Why you need to STOP comparing your problems to other people’s NOW  How to know if you have what it takes to truly be successful (and what to do if you’re lacking the skills) Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Wealth-Self-Storage-2-0-Post-Pandemic-ebook/dp/B0D67CJXTZ

This seasoned investor stumbled on self storage just four years ago, and now he’s selling off his rental properties to buy more. Why? Right now, new investors with limited capital can profit from self storage in rural markets where larger firms are unwilling to go. There’s cash flow, appreciation, and, surprisingly, plenty of demand!   In the last twenty years, Derek Weaver has dabbled in just about every area of real estate. He’s been a licensed realtor. He’s managed large rental portfolios for other investors. He’s even bought his own single-family and multifamily rental properties. His latest venture? Self storage! He had no idea what he was doing when he “accidentally” bought a dilapidated, 66-unit facility, but taking action and learning on the fly has allowed him to stabilize the property and add another three to his portfolio!   In today’s episode, Derek shares why now is the perfect time for new investors to start buying self storage. He’ll show you which types of facilities to target, how to maximize your square footage (and income) with portable units, and the systems and processes you need to scale your self storage business!   Insights from today’s episode:    Why Derek is selling off rental properties to buy more self storage in 2025 The pitfalls of financial freedom (and why passive income shouldn’t be your end goal) Maximizing your facility’s square footage and income by adding portable units The key advantages small self storage investors have over large firms Why you can’t beat Midwest property returns at the moment The systems and processes you need to manage your facilities from afar — Email Derek: [email protected] __ 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 🎙️ You can now apply here to be a guest on Self Storage Income, the AJ Osborne podcast OR the Drunk Real Estate Show! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 

President-Elect Trump’s economy could change the course of the self storage industry, but will it be for the better? There are many “what ifs” after the Republicans took the presidency, House, and Senate in the 2024 election. Will inflation return? Could interest rates finally fall back down to reasonable levels? Will homebuilding get easier, prompting more moves and, by proxy, more self storage demand? In this episode, we’re sharing our raw opinions on what Trump’s economy could mean for Americans. We’re tackling a few critical subjects before making any predictions about where Trump may take the economy: mortgage rates, government spending, inflation, and recession risk. Trump said he’ll lower interest rates, giving Americans an affordability boost. This would be terrific for self storage, but are lower interest rates really under his control? What about government spending? Lowering it could help curb inflation, and Trump’s cabinet looks EAGER to slash these budgets. But, with such an economic overhaul, will we be steered toward a recession, and if so, is that a bad thing? How will this affect YOUR ability to buy (and manage) a self storage facility? Should now be the time to wait to see what happens next? Stick around because we’re getting into it all.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: How a Trump presidency could impact interest rates and self storage investing The “sticky spot” that Trump finds himself in and whether he can escape it  Slashing government budgets and the results of downsizing departments  Whether Trump will be better or worse overall for real estate investors  Hope for homebuilders (and homebuyers) as toxic over-regulation could get curbed  Should we expect a recession in the coming years (start preparing)?  📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 📉 Have your feasibility study done by MY team! https://cedar.cc/feasibility-studies/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 

Listen to this episode BEFORE you buy a storage facility! Things have changed dramatically in the self storage industry, and some of the advice from even just a few years ago has become essentially obsolete. If you want to succeed in self-storage investing, you need to know what makes a good/bad investment in 2024. To help with your self storage research and analysis, Jonah Hall, President of Cedar Creek Capital, is on to share his EXPERT tips on analyzing a self storage facility and market.    First, we’re getting into exactly what changed in the industry over the past five years. Since the pandemic, self storage has NOT been the same. Because of that, beginners can get overly optimistic about their first self storage investment, leading them to buy deals that DON’T work out as well as they had hoped. How do you get around this and ensure you only buy facilities that will perform? Jonah shares his advice in this episode.   Plus, we’re touching on current cap rates, how unit size preferences are dramatically changing, and signs that a market is oversaturated with self storage. AJ and Jonah reveal the “indicators” they look at before investing in a market to know whether the area is worth it. New to self storage or ready to buy another facility? Don’t miss this episode!  What you’ll learn in today’s show: Self storage research and analysis basics, plus the “indicators” to watch before you buy How fluctuating rental rates could impact your investment—and why you can’t afford to get this wrong The changing demand for different unit sizes (smaller units are selling out!) Forecasting rental demand before you buy/build your next facility (and how we do it) Current cap rates we’re seeing in today’s market and why they’re staying so low Advice for beginners if you have zero self-storage experience but want to invest    Links: 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans with our sponsors at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq

Why are multifamily investors selling off their assets to move into self storage? From the inside, it’s easy to see: self storage management lets you build wealth way faster. What do we mean? In this episode, we’re putting multifamily and self storage side-by-side, discussing the good and the bad about managing each asset and why self storage may be your best bet to raise property values and boost your income quickly. If you own residential real estate, this episode might just convince you to switch sides.    So why are multifamily and self storage so different? They’re both commercial real estate, rely on debt, and have sizable demand. What most investors don’t realize is just how different the management styles are. In self-storage, you can raise rates quickly, thrive even with high turnover, and make operational changes that can skyrocket property values. This is much different than multifamily.   However, even though self storage is an investment property powerhouse, there are still some serious downsides you need to be prepared for if you switch from residential to storage. To help you mitigate them, we’re sharing how to automate your facility (even if it’s REALLY small) and what we do on day one of owning a new self storage facility to boost its value immediately.    What you’ll learn in today’s show: Multifamily management vs. self storage management and the CRUCIAL differences between the two How self storage operators can instantly increase their property values (multifamily CAN’T do this) Automating your facility and everything you can do to make your property more “passive” The reason multifamily investors are switching sides and getting into self storage  Why tenant turnover is actually a GOOD thing in self storage (not as much in multifamily)  Links:📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🧐 Want to know if you've found a good deal? Have a feasibility study done by OUR TEAM: https://cedar.cc/feasibility-studies/ 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 

If you’re trying to buy your first self storage deal, odds are, you don’t have the entire purchase price sitting in cash in your bank account. So, today, we’re teaching you exactly how to raise capital for real estate, using other people’s money to buy your first or next self storage facility and get the best returns for your investors. If you want to scale in self storage, this is how you do it, and there are many (MANY) takeaways from this episode that you can’t miss. Most people don’t know this, but I NEVER used to raise money for my self storage deals. We were self-funded for most of our existence, and for the longest time, I never wanted the weight of handling other people’s money on my shoulders. That was until people we knew wanted to get in the self storage game WITHOUT running the facilities themselves. They trusted me, saw my track record, and asked to get in. I accepted, knowing that it was wrong NOT to help others build wealth with an asset that gave me so much.   So, whether you’re someone with multiple facilities who thinks now is the time to raise capital or a brand new beginner with no money (but a lot of energy!) to invest, we’re teaching you exactly how we raise capital, the common pitfalls beginners must avoid, how to form partnership structures, and why I never EVER “ask” for money when doing my self storage deals.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to raise money for your first (or next) self storage deal with partnerships, banks, or funds  Why you never (ever!) “ask” an investor for money, but you should do this instead  Why your #1 priority is NOT the investors in your deal (we’ll explain why) How always being self-funded will slow your growth and make it hard to scale  What to start doing NOW if you want to buy self storage but have zero experience Partnership setups to try to get active or passive investors for your deal  What to do at the start of any partnership (before things go wrong!)  📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us: https://cedar.cc/invest 

Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast  The self storage industry is seeing a BIG shift that could lead to a “transfer of wealth” for many self storage owners, operators, and buyers. For the past two years, we’ve dealt with stubborn sellers, banks on tight lending budgets, high interest rates, and lower occupancy rates, but something is starting to change. If you want to get into self storage investing, this is GOOD news for you. Today, AJ and Conner discuss the shift they’re seeing in real-time in the self storage industry. They talk about how reasonable sellers are returning to the market, the “signal” the Fed is giving for the future of self storage and real estate, why it’s okay to feel like you’re failing in today’s market, and whether or not you should wait for the presidential election results to make a move on your next investment. But that’s not all! AJ shares some of the secrets he learned from the last market crash, including how to “make” self storage deals instead of waiting for them to come to you! Plus, the reason he paid $1,000,000 extra for a property that, on paper, looked like a total dud!  What you’ll learn in today’s show: The 2024-2025 self storage industry “wealth transfer” that’s about to take place  What the Fed is signaling about the real estate market with their last rate cut  The return of motivated sellers and whether or not they’re ready to drop their prices  Why you FEEL like you’re failing (but you’re not) in this current market cycle  Biggest takeaways from the last crash and how to take advantage of the enormous opportunity coming your way  What sets apart the winners from the losers during this transfer of wealth  Join Our Self Storage Income Community - https://tinyurl.com/ssicommunity or Join AJ’s Inner Circle - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/inner-circle  📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's updated book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 

You DON’T need to be doing million-dollar deals to build wealth with self storage. Take it from Justin James, who, at only twenty-six years old, has two self storage facilities, both of which cost him as much as many people’s houses. He’s had his ups and downs, like the recent fire that burned one of his buildings, but he’s STILL bullish on self storage, especially the smaller facilities that pack much better potential. We brought Justin on to talk about how someone with zero experience can get started and the best properties for someone just getting into the self storage game. He shares how he found the properties, finances them, manages them, and dealt with what nobody wants to deal with—an early morning call from the fire department. But Justin isn’t the only one who sees huge potential in small self storage properties. AJ is a BIG fan of this investing strategy and shares why these overlooked facilities might be the key to the best returns in the industry. If you don’t have a ton of experience or money to start investing, worry not. Justin is a prime example of how anyone (yes, even you!) can get started today.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: The overlooked small self storage facilities that new investors should start with How to manage your facility when disaster strikes (like a fire!)  The massive value-add opportunity of mom-and-pop deals that “big money” overlooks  “Operational” impacts you can EASILY make to your facility to raise its value Why value-add self storage almost always beats multifamily investing  Auditing your time and how to STOP doing the less important work at your facility — Justin’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/justinjameslive/📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq

Today’s guest bought four self storage facilities in two years after disaster struck his family. Imagine you just lost everything. Your house is gone, your job is over, and you’re in a new city. You’re trying to rebuild your life but starting back from zero. Most people would settle into defeat, asking, “What’s the point?” as they struggle to cope with what just happened to them. Charles Lindner isn’t like most people. After a fire took away his house, memories, possessions, and sense of security, Charles searched for something he could feel passionate about. Rental properties seemed enticing, but during the lockdowns, with rents rarely being paid, he knew single-family homes weren’t for him. After his soon-to-be business partner commented on how much self storage facilities seemed to be making, he did some digging, found this podcast (seriously!), and now has four facilities in just two years. Okay, but how does someone with zero experience build a self storage empire in the time it takes most beginners to get their first deal? Today, Charles shares his secret to finding the best value-add facilities, how he gets 0% interest seller financing deals, and the one thing you MUST do if you want to get a facility under contract.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to build your self storage investment portfolio from SCRATCH (with zero experience) The mismanaged self storage facilities you should look for when searching for deals Seller financing and how to score a 0% interest rate on your next facility Why you always (ALWAYS) should visit the property BEFORE you make an offer  What to do when you don’t have any more money to invest (and can’t get a bank loan!) The perspective shift that follows a traumatizing event that breeds success  — Follow Charles on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deallock71/ 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq

Real estate syndications have fallen off a cliff. Those currently stuck with underperforming properties are scrambling to find ways to pay the bills and stop banks from foreclosing on them. All those inexperienced investors who wanted to become real estate syndicators? Those dreams are drying up. Mauricio Rauld, real estate syndication attorney, has seen transactions collapse as interest rates rose and cap rates expanded. But, because of it, we could be coming into a huge opportunity to raise capital—you just need to know the RIGHT way to do it. In this episode, we’re talking about what happened to real estate syndications, why syndication transactions have cratered, and some good news for investors waiting for sellers to return to reality. Syndicators are getting desperate. They’re sending out capital calls to keep their deals afloat and are facing refinances with massive repercussions. How do you avoid getting into this spot yourself? If you’re raising capital for real estate, you MUST listen to this episode. Mauricio is sharing some key “do’s and don’ts” that could stop you from breaking SEC compliance and ending up in hot water. Plus, if you DO want to invest in syndications, we’re sharing tips to help you invest in the right one instead of the one with the "highest return."  What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why so many real estate syndications are failing in 2024 The “do’s and don’ts” of raising capital for real estate, ESPECIALLY if you’re syndicating  Why syndicators are making capital calls to save their drowning deals  Managing expectations as a real estate syndicator and one thing AJ tells EVERY investor he works with  New accredited investor qualifications and the significant change that could be coming soon  Whether banks will foreclose on many of these failing syndications  — Work with Mauricio - https://www.premierlawgroup.net/ Grab Mauricio’s Book on Legal Strategies - https://legalstrategiesforeveryone.com/ Hear AJ and Mauricio on Drunk Real Estate - https://www.drunkrealestateshow.com/  

New to self storage investing? Then, at all costs, avoid these seven crucial beginner mistakes. When you’re buying a storage facility, a lot can go right…but a lot can go wrong, too; if you haven’t been in this game for a while, it’s easy to trip up and buy a facility that ends up costing you. So, how do you avoid all the beginner pitfalls that we’ve seen wipe out storage operators before they get their footing? Stick around because we share two decades of mistakes with you, so you DON’T make them. We’re getting into WHY beginners never buy their first storage facility, the “good” problems you should hunt for when looking for deals, and the WRONG metrics that will throw you off course. We’ll also describe, in detail, how to analyze a market for demand so you don’t buy in an area that DOESN’T need more self storage. Plus, how getting unit sizes right can help you beat the competition and fill up your facility fast. We’re also highlighting due diligence errors and how to fact-check what the seller reports so you don’t buy a facility different from the one you thought you were getting. And stick around for the end—we’re taking your questions from past episodes and answering them on today’s show!  What you’ll learn in today’s show: The seven biggest mistakes you must avoid when buying your first (or next) self storage facility  Why you DON’T need “everything” to get started and how to get in the game NOW The reason we hunt for “good” problems that we can fix (these make the BEST facilities) Self storage “rules” you should ignore that could cost you a solid deal  How to project future demand and confirm that your facility will have high occupancy  Getting your unit sizes right and how to know you’ll be vacant/occupied after you buy — Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0 - https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Wealth-Self-Storage-2-0-Post-Pandemic/dp/1735258865/ref=pd_lpo_sccl_1/130-4697294-4842904?pd_rd_w=Avd61&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=BSC3EPJZ1BW18SHS5Q43&pd_rd_wg=iwGnD&pd_rd_r=a8a3d912-35b9-4cb4-9824-72248ca17bb7&pd_rd_i=1735258865&psc=1

Ten years ago, barely anyone in Brazil used self storage, or even knew what it was, for that matter. But one man, Henry Madden, saw what no one else could: a country sentimental about physical items, with a population living in small apartments and needing more space. The problem? How can there be demand for self storage when nobody in Brazil even knew they needed it? Fast forward to today, Henry owns the most popular, highest-demand self storage facilities in Brazil. He can’t build units fast enough and is raking in high rents even with Brazil’s significantly lower building cost. So, how did a foreigner successfully create a new industry, learn the laws and regulations, and succeed even during lockdowns? Want to build wealth in self storage? Like Henry, you need to think outside the box (or more like BUILD the box). He shares exactly how he started his business, built his massively successful first self storage facility, and the lessons YOU can learn from his experience to invest in a market nobody else believes in.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why Henry chose Brazil as the country to start building his self storage empire  Educating an entire population and creating (not finding) self storage customers  The surprisingly high rents Henry brings in at his Brazilian facilities  The cost to build a multi-story, class-A self storage facility in Brazil  Out-building your competitors in dense, urban areas so you control the market  The one event that “triggered” Brazilians to start using self storage  — Moby Self Storage https://mobystorage.net.br/

How do you get the best self storage deals? You’ll need self storage underwriting! Underwriting (AKA analysis) allows you to tell whether or not a facility is worth the price, how much you should offer, and whether it’s even worth buying in the first place. Plus, it’s not just about analyzing on-market deals. You can use our self storage underwriting model to find the “money on the table” off-market deals that most investors will miss. Today, we’re teaching you the first steps of how to value a self storage facility. Regardless of how a seller prices their facility, you MUST perform this analysis to ensure you get a good deal. AJ and Conner discuss the intrinsic vs. extrinsic value of self storage investments and how to control one of these factors so you ALWAYS buy deals with significant upside. We’ll touch on underwriting expenses, revenue, occupancy, and more, plus the one huge opportunity that most investors are missing out on today. Ready to buy your first self storage facility or expand to the next one? This is where to start!  What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to underwrite (analyze) a self storage facility to ensure it’ll make you money The “money on the table” variables you can’t overlook when analyzing storage deals  Why the “value” of a facility is NOT the same as what a seller prices it for  Why you should never, EVER assume the market will make your facility worth more One huge opportunity in self storage that most investors are running from  — Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ Podcast Survey https://form.asana.com/?k=da0pR8v74pC8OEgx9dgKRQ&d=1203571084143207 Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0 https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq SSI Live Event https://www.selfstorageincome.com/ssi-live-2024

Self storage investing ISN’T only for the United States. Our neighbors to the north might be a way better pick for your next self storage facility than down here in the States. Need proof? Today’s guest, Jason Koonin from Bluebird Self Storage, is getting higher occupancy and rents and spending $0 on ads with his Canadian self storage facilities. How is he doing it, especially since big facilities in the States are fighting tooth and nail to get any customer in the door? His self storage marketing strategy is a little bit different… First, how does someone new to self storage go from having zero experience to building A-class facilities across a different country? Jason shares how his self storage companies exploded in 2020 and 2021 and how they managed to survive 2022 and 2023. Not only that, Jason realized something that most self storage operators get completely wrong about customer acquisition—you DON’T need to pay for ads…at all! Through strategic self storage SEO, he’s bringing in customers at a fraction of the cost while most of his competitors are still trying to outrank him. We’ll also speak about the significant differences between Canadian self storage investing and American self storage investing and why now may be the best time to get into the Canadian market as their population grows, with VERY few self storage facilities to match the demand. What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why Canada might be the next best place to buy (or build) a self storage facility  How to get more self storage customers without paying a dollar for ads Jason’s self storage SEO strategy he uses to outrank even the biggest competitors in his market  What you MUST do as soon as you start building/planning to buy a self storage facility to rank #1 on Google Jason’s outlook for the self storage industry and what he’s doing to beat the competition Why development is starting to come back and good news for those in self storage acquisitions  — Forge Building episode Sunbird Storage Storagely

Building storage units is not easy, but if you listen to this episode, you’ll be more educated on the self storage development process than most investors out there. If you’re thinking of building a storage facility, this information is essential for you to make the best design decisions and avoid financial pitfalls that could sink your project before it even gets off the ground. Hamish Bell and Melissa Anderson from Forge Building Company join Conner today to talk about the self storage industry and what’s happening with development in 2024. With interest rates still high, more projects are being abandoned, but does that make now a bad time to build self storage facilities? What happens when the supply gets taken up due to all the delayed and canceled projects from today? We’re sharing our thoughts on this episode. Plus, we’ll be getting into the details of building storage facilities, from prices to designing and planning, getting the city on board before you break ground, pitfalls to avoid, and the process you must go through to begin, whether you’re a new investor or someone with previous development experience.    What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Self storage development 101 and why building storage is so different than other asset types Why more self storage development deals are being abandoned in 2024 Construction costs and calculating the price to build your next facility  Conversions vs. new build development and which is a better bet in 2024 Design and planning, plus the one thing you should do BEFORE you begin to build Advice for brand new investors to get started with their first new build facility  — Build with Forge Email Forge: [email protected] 

These two business school graduates may have cracked the code for self storage in big cities. By converting apartment tenant storage lockers into full-blown “micro” self storage facilities, tenants renting tiny units can easily walk a couple of blocks to store their bulkier items, WITHOUT paying the premium of storing at one of the big REITs much farther away. This duo has been so successful that they’ve scaled to sixty locations fast, and they’re not stopping anytime soon. Alex Harman and Peter Smyth, founders of Local Locker and White Label Storage, realized how profitable self storage could be when they were in business school. The problem? Like most students, they had very little money to go out and buy a self storage facility. After struggling to find convenient storage in their own market (New York City), they wondered if they could turn apartment basements into “micro” facilities for tenants like them. They threw together a rough and ready prototype facility, and…it worked! Now, with sixty facilities under the Local Locker brand and another sixty or so being managed by their team, they’ve tapped into the true success of small self storage. Today, I’m talking to them about how they started, the tech stack they use to run these “micro” facilities,” the operational problems they’ve had to solve, and why tiny storage units are crucial for dense cities.    What you’ll learn in today’s show:   How “micro” self storage could be taking over dense cities with limited space Scaling your self storage portfolio fast and why having the right tech is crucial  Systematizing your self storage operations, even if you’re a small facility  Why running a self storage facility yourself is rarely a good idea  Self storage “rules” you must follow to avoid troublesome tenants  Why many apartment tenants DON’T want to rent a unit from a REIT — Local Locker White Label Storage

Enter our survey for a chance to win a signed copy of AJ's NEW book!  Courtney Galyan has worn many hats. He’s been a real estate broker, worked in development, and even owned a pizza franchise. All of those made good money, but the problem was his time was being slowly sucked away. He wanted the “passive” income real estate provided along with the freedom NOT to have to be on-site, running the show every single day. The self storage business, although overlooked by most investors, was Courtney’s lifeline. After driving around a popular lake town and looking for facilities, Courtney and his business partner quickly realized how high the demand for storage was and how poorly most of the facilities were run. Through a commercial broker friend, they secured their first self storage deal, and it was exactly what they were looking for. Now, less than a decade later, Courtney has over 750,000 square feet of self storage—a massive amount for any investor to tackle. With eleven facilities across the South and the Midwest, Courtney has had to bob and weave through hot markets (2018-2022) and slowdowns (post-pandemic). He’s made some mistakes and learned some crucial lessons along the way he’s sharing today that any investor, even brand new ones, can take to heart to scale their facilities faster and get ready for this next market cycle.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why Courtney ditched his successful pizza franchise to invest in real estate (and specifically, self storage) The tiny, untapped tertiary markets that have massive pent-up demand for self storage Calculating the risk-to-reward for your business and why self storage makes so much financial sense  Why Courtney believes there’s even more demand for storage facilities coming  Self storage’s return to normal and why it’s EASIER to make decisions on investments now — Resolute Ventures Group Give Courtney a Call: 317-995-2187 📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/?RefId=L_RF_SSI&utm_source=vanity-url&utm_term=incomepodcast 🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207 📖 Get AJ's new book that teaches you everything he knows about self-storage https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 🎫 Tickets are available NOW to the SSI LIVE 2024 event! This September in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho https://www.selfstorageincome.com/ssi-live-2024 

Do you know what makes you money in the self storage business? Management! If you get your management and operations right, you’ll see your revenues jump, your occupancy rates increase, and less turnover from your paying customers. After running our $250,000,000 self storage business, we’ve learned a thing or two about making a facility perform the best (and what makes the most money). Conner is back this week to walk through ten crucial self storage management tips beginners can use to make their facilities more successful. We’ll hit on increasing revenue, why occupancy ISN’T as important as you think, the metrics you must be tracking, and why thinking of ways to fail makes you more successful. With the storage industry becoming more competitive, this is something you CANNOT afford to drop the ball on. Get this right, and you’ll scale your self storage investment portfolio faster and with fewer headaches. Get it wrong, and you could be stuck with expensive, underperforming facilities until you course-correct. Whether you’ve got one facility, twenty, or are just starting to invest in self storage, these tips could get YOU to the next level. What you’ll learn in today’s show: Ten crucial self storage operation tips that will make your facility more successful Why occupancy rates AREN’T everything (and what you really should focus on) Following the “PACE” framework to ensure your facility doesn’t fail  What to do when you have a limited budget but want to improve your facility How to beat your competition by zeroing in on the “details” of self storage  Why you DON’T want to invest in self storage by yourself  — Enter our survey for a chance to win a signed copy of AJ's NEW book!  Get Your Tickets to the Self Storage Income Live Event!  Apply as a Guest   

This might be the biggest, best self storage conversion we’ve ever done. We turned a $4.5 million bankrupt building into a $30 million self storage facility. And here’s the thing: we could have NEVER done this if we were building from scratch. This was a needle in a haystack, and today, we’re sharing how we found it, why other investors overlooked it, and the problems, profits, and lessons from it. Not only was this building massive, but it’s also now one of the most tech-first self storage facilities we’ve ever owned. We had to be really patient with this one. It took FOUR YEARS to get this facility open, and now, we can finally discuss the final numbers and details with you. If you want to make HUGE wealth-building leaps, then stick around because we’re talking all things self-storage conversion and the traps to avoid on your next deal. We’ll explain how we picked up this deal for far less than it should have cost, why we went a million dollars over budget, why we changed our layout and made more money because of it, and how we did it all while storage rates were falling, interest rates were rising, and investors were running away from big deals in fear.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: How we turned a bankrupt building into a self storage facility worth tens of millions  Why you MUST buy when the rest of the industry is sitting on the sidelines  How to avoid the development “traps” that’ll lose you money in self storage  The importance of checking zoning BEFORE you buy and why it’s crucial to get this right  Why we went a million dollars over budget during this ONE project  — Enter our survey for a chance to win a signed copy of AJ's NEW book!  Listen to the AJ Osborne Podcast  Send Us a Question: [email protected]  Watch Our Videos on This Conversion 

Owning a storage facility is not for the faint of heart. Yeah, you’ve got the everyday headaches of late payments, locked-out customers, and the occasional pest problem, but that’s NOT what we’re talking about today. Conner is flying solo on today’s show to share some real footage of what’s (only recently) gone wrong at our facilities. And if you’re looking for your first self storage investment, you CAN’T miss this. What happens when someone is living in a unit? Or, even better, what happens when they burn down your units while they’re living there? How about a trash pickup truck smashing through your front gate? Trailer theft? Tenant-on-tenant vehicular damage? We’ve got it all in today’s show and have the photos and videos to prove it! Want to know what it’s REALLY like owning a storage facility? Then don’t miss this episode. Plus, if you’re a storage operator who wants to see how the biggest and best facilities take care of huge headaches like these, stick around for Connor’s tips toward the end!    What you’ll learn in today’s show: What owning a self storage facility is really like (and all the problems we deal with!) Why you should ALWAYS tell your trash pickup service to WAIT for the gate to open What to do when a tenant who’s (illegally) living in your facility burns their unit down Why you NEED security cameras set up throughout your facility from the start   Inspecting your units regularly and how this can save you massive amounts of time and headache  The systems and processes to put in place NOW so you can deal with these incidents  Why it’s all worth it, and self-storage is still one of the BEST assets to invest in! — Inner Circle  Enter our survey for a chance to win a signed copy of AJ's NEW book! 

The self storage industry is changing. Back during the Great Recession, small self storage investments tanked. Their revenues fell off a cliff, customers consistently went without paying, and there were no buyers or banks to bail out the owners. Since then, self storage investing has changed in a big way. REITs are growing with towering self storage facilities everywhere in big cities, and their next big target? Small self storage investments. This poses an interesting opportunity for inventors: if you get in early enough, your facility could see a massive increase in value and even interest from a REIT. So, what should you be doing NOW to capitalize on this coming change in the self storage industry? Small self storage investing expert Jeremiah Boucher, founder of Patriot Holdings, joins AJ and Conner LIVE to go over the opportunities, threats, and “landmines” to watch out for when buying a small self storage facility—which could be your first or next investment! Plus, Jeremiah even shares EXACTLY what you should do TODAY to a small facility to increase its value before the REIT next door comes knocking.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: The huge opportunity in small self storage investments that you MUST be on the lookout for How the self storage industry has changed and why small markets could house goldmine self storage facilities  What to do TODAY to increase the value of your next self storage facility  The “landmines” to watch out for BEFORE you buy a facility (these WILL cost you) Biggest threats to self storage investors and how to get around them  Why REITs are quietly searching for small facilities and markets to invest in   — Finding Your Edge: How to Win at the Game of Commercial Real Estate Investing Enter our survey for a chance to win a signed copy of AJ's NEW book! 

At just twenty-seven years old, Dillon Leonard has reached financial freedom. How’d he do it? By tenaciously identifying, acquiring, and improving self storage facilities. Within four years, he’s built his self storage business to 800 doors, and he’s done it all by buying storage units in small towns that you’ve probably never heard of. How did he succeed so quickly, and what does he do that sets him apart from the competition? He’s sharing his “simple” secrets today! Dillon had one goal—to reach financial freedom so he could spend time with his family. While working as a firefighter, he began building a residential real estate portfolio. One day (ironically), a tenant burned his property down. Dillon had it with tenants and toilets and realized self storage was the business he truly wanted to be in. If you’re just getting started in self storage investing, Dillon delivers a masterclass on finding, acquiring, and running small facilities. If you follow his lead and put in the work, you, too, can reach financial freedom in just a few years!  What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to find financial freedom FAST by building a self storage business  Why Dillon gave up rental properties and got into self storage investing  How Dillon runs seven facilities (remotely!) in rural areas  Competing with REITs and how investing in smaller markets can yield bigger rewards  Raising rents and how Dillon has managed to keep high occupancy while charging more Buying the competition and the “relationship marketing” Dillon uses to acquire new facilities  — Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0 Connect with Dillon

Looking for off-market self storage for sale? Wondering how to get around the high down payment self storage investing requires? How do you measure demand for an area you’ve never invested in? Today, AJ and Conner are answering some of the most commonly asked self storage investing questions so you can get your first or next facility even faster. Think of this as a “Self Storage Investing for Beginners” FAQ session as we get into the nitty-gritty of finding deals, measuring demand, raising down payments, increasing revenue, and more! If you’re still searching for your first facility, worry not. AJ details the exact method he used to get his first small off-market self storage facilities and how to get an owner to ask YOU to buy the property from them. We’ll also get into measuring demand and whether you should use software or go “secret shopping.” Will a ten-percent down loan pencil out for your next facility? And speaking of down payments, how do you raise the six-figure sum you’ll most likely need to buy your first self storage investment?  We’re answering all those questions and a whole lot more in this episode!  What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to find small, off-market self storage facilities in your area (and get owners to sell to you!) Measuring demand BEFORE you buy a facility and how we know a market is worth it Whether an SBA ten-percent down loan is worth it (and if you can even use one) Why you DON’T need to wait to save up a down payment to invest in self stoarge  Exactly what we do within the first thirty days of owning a facility to increase its value Signs that a facility has poor management and could have significant value-add potential  Raising revenues on your first or next facility through smart asset management Self storage smart locks and how they’ve been working at even our biggest facilities  — Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0 Episode 250. The Self Storage Industry is Starting to “Thaw” (Take Advantage Now!) How to Find Off-Market Self Storage Deals in ANY Market My Most Profitable Self Storage Investing Strategy (with numbers)

Think you’re too late in the game to get into self storage investments? Feel like you can’t give up that career you took decades to build to take a shot at achieving financial freedom? Today’s guest is about to fire you up! At age fifty, he took a giant leap, quitting his chiropractor practice of over twenty years to go head-first into real estate investing. In just four years, he was able to buy six self storage investments, and he’s not stopping anytime soon. And if you feel like your career’s clock is ticking, and self storage could be your way out, Russell Nersesov is the guy to listen to.  In today’s show, Russell talks about leaving his stable career to pursue something else, how he’s finding deals even in today’s tough market, why he makes offers on everything that could work for his portfolio and the two things EVERY investor should be looking for when trying to find self storage investments. Russell even flips the interview, getting AJ’s take on some of the most crucial questions self storage investors are wondering about. You’ll hear why brokers are finally starting to get “realistic” with their prices, the “readjustment period” sellers are going through, and how to have the confidence to buy when everyone is telling you to wait instead (BIG mistake!).  What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to change your career later in life and start investing in self storage today Why Russell invests in small markets with low competition and high upside  Russell’s secret to getting more deals and how he bought six facilities in just four years! How Russell remote manages his facilities while achieving an incredibly high occupancy rate The changing self storage market and why the past four years have been like nothing we’ve ever experienced Buying during down times and how to be greedy when everyone else is fearful  Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0 Episode 193 - Remote-controlled Facilities, Spiraling Debt, & "Now is the Time to Develop" - w/ Mike Burnam Safe Storage USA Follow Russell on Instagram 

The self storage industry is starting to “thaw” as renters return and occupancy begins to rise. But this isn’t happening at every facility. Many self storage operators are still struggling to get new customers in the door, and if your facility is having the same problem, this episode is exactly what you need. We’re peeling back the curtain and sharing exactly what we’re doing to raise occupancy, beat our competitors, and get units rented before the busy season ends. Last week, we talked about a return to “normal” for the self storage industry, with significant year-over-year storage demand drops. Now, it seems that we’re finally getting our busy season back as May rolls in and more facilities experience a seasonal boost. If you’re not taking advantage of this, you need to act fast. Not doing so could force your facility into higher vacancy for longer while your competitors take the customers passing you by. We’re sharing our portfolio stats, the strategies we’re using to increase occupancy, and the operational changes we’re making to bring customers back. If you follow our lead, you could see your facility start to fill up fast this summer! What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why the self storage industry is starting to ‘thaw” and why 2025 - 2027 may be the best years yet Exactly what we’re doing right now to bring in more customers and keep occupancy high Our actual self storage facility stats and why we saw a big uptick in May rentals Operational changes you MUST make if you want to have high occupancy at your facility Whether or not lower interest rates will reignite the hot housing and storage markets Metrics we’re watching closely that point to low or high occupancy rates Get my new book that teaches you everything I know about self-storage- https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq  Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 📌 Ready to buy storage? Have your deals personally evaluated by AJ and our team! https://www.selfstorageincome.com/feasibility 📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us- https://cedar.cc/invest 

Self storage rates see a severe year-over-year decline as owners brace for even more supply to come on the market during dwindling demand. What’s happening, and which markets are the most in danger? In this episode, we took some of the latest self storage industry stats on rates, demand, supply, and new construction to answer the question: Why are self storage rates falling, and when will they come back up? We even have data on the hardest-hit metro areas that YOU should watch out for. We could be returning to “normal” as the booming demand from a few busy years starts to dry up. Markets that saw massive population growth are beginning to settle down, but all those shiny new self storage facilities are still around. If you’re a self storage operator in a market experiencing dying demand, what can YOU do to ensure you beat the competition? We’re sharing our secrets on how we make MORE money EVEN while dropping rates in today’s episode.  Got some unusual unit sizes at your facility? Changing your layout (if possible) could result in a considerable difference in occupancy. We’ll talk about a recent development deal we did that could have gone south very quickly if we hadn’t changed to THIS type of unit size layout. So don’t sit around waiting for customers to fill up your facility; do what WE’RE doing NOW before it’s too late! What you’ll learn in today’s show: Latest storage industry stats and why street rates fell so much over the past year The self storage markets that are faring the worst and seeing the biggest price drops How high inventory can kill a self storage market and areas to steer clear of  Why unit size demand changes over time and how to adjust with consumer preferences How to make more money even with lower demand and falling street rates  Why casual self storage operators might not make it in 2024, but the real “business” owners will Get my new book that teaches you everything I know about self-storage- https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq  Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/ 📌 Ready to buy storage? Have your deals personally evaluated by AJ and our team! https://www.selfstorageincome.com/feasibility 📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us- https://cedar.cc/invest