Self Storage Income

This is the biggest opportunity in self storage since 2008. Last time we were at this stage in the cycle, I was on the cusp of building a $100M+ self storage business. I bought when conditions were almost identical to what we’re seeing today, and now, I’m gearing up to buy even more. But here’s the best part: beginners can get in on this, too. Today, I’m showing you how.   This could be your $100M opportunity if you know what’s coming down the pipeline.    Things are getting eerily similar to the situation after the Great Financial Crisis (2008). Interest rates are coming down, housing activity is going up, cap rates are compressing, and occupancy rates may be ready to rise again. This was almost exactly how conditions were in the early 2010s when I was heavily building my self storage business. Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it with data in this episode.   We’re buying now—and we’re buying a lot. If you’re debating investing in self storage or growing your portfolio, this episode will be crucial for you. I’m putting my money where my mouth is, investing millions of my own capital to grow my portfolio.    Do not miss this stage of the cycle.    What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why 2025 may be mirroring the aftermath of the 2008 Great Financial Crisis  The best time to buy in 20 years? I’ll prove why it could be 2025 and 2026  A $10M bet I’m making on self storage investments (I’ll explain why I’m bullish) The massive discounts we’re seeing in the market (we’re buying at 2015 prices) Where we’re buying self storage facilities and states/areas we feel confident in   Learn more about Heritage Fund investment opportunities:  https://go.cedar.cc/faq    https://go.cedar.cc/welcome *Accredited investors only. Limited capacity.*

What happens when interest rates spike, self storage demand dips, and REITs start a race to the bottom with rent prices? You’ve got the current state of the self storage industry, with shifting market dynamics that have made things difficult for smaller investors over the last few years. The question now is, where do we go from here?   Interest rates have had a ripple effect throughout the self storage industry, leaving smaller investors wondering how they can build wealth with self storage investing while REITs and private equity have a stranglehold on many major markets. AJ, Travis Morrow, and Lance Watkins break it all down in a session from this year’s SSI Live Event. There’s reason for optimism heading into 2026 and beyond, but investors will need to adapt to major changes if they want to coexist with the bigger players.   Savvy market analysis is more crucial now than ever, and adopting technology is no longer optional—even if you’re investing in rural areas. Fortunately, everyday investors now have access to data that wasn’t available to them just a few years ago. Whether you’re developing or buying self storage facilities, these insights will help shape your strategy going forward and give you an edge in your market! What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to compete with institutional investors (REITs) charging rock-bottom rates Why investors must analyze self storage deals more conservatively in 2026 How technology is transforming self storage (and how you could get left behind) The massive opportunities small investors have in secondary and tertiary markets Strategies that will help you determine whether to invest in a new market How rising interest rates created a “ripple effect” throughout the self storage industry — Tract IQ: https://tractiq.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/

Today’s guests bought six self storage facilities in just four years, all while working full-time jobs, and during a time of rising interest rates. They had zero experience, no self storage background, and have only used their own money. How did they grow so quickly, and what’s the secret to scaling your self storage business? These are the bootstrapped self storage investors to hear from.   In 2020, self storage investments weren’t on Nick and Steven May’s radar. But after hearing an episode of this podcast, they decided it might be their next great opportunity. Luckily, a small vacation market two hours south of them had old, poorly-reviewed facilities around. So they did what everyone with little experience and a desire to invest should do: started calling owners without expectations. One owner was willing to sell, and the ball started rolling.   Fast forward four years from their first purchase, and Nick and Steven have six facilities, all in the same market. They’ve gotten better at negotiating, underwriting self storage, and running their business. How did two guys scale to 150,000+ square feet in self storage space without any prior experience? Today, they’re sharing exactly how they did it.    What you’ll learn in today’s show:   How to build your self storage business even while working full-time, even with no experience  Why waiting out stubborn sellers is worth it (and why you always submit an offer) The basic tweaks you can make to turn an underperforming facility into an over-performing one  Investing in self storage with high interest rates (why it still works in 2025) The secret to scaling your storage portfolio while working a full-time job  Where to find more   📷 Steven’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenmay_realestate/   🚣 Lake of the Ozarks Self Storage: https://lakeoftheozarksselfstorage.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/   📑 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/  📚 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  📰 Sign Up for My Newsletter Here:  https://ajosborne.com/newsletter   

How do you know your first or next self storage investment is worth the money?    This is how you do self storage analysis in six steps, even if you’ve never invested in storage before. With the most basic of numbers, you can analyze a self storage facility to see if it’s a worthwhile deal. And you don’t need any experience in commercial real estate or self storage underwriting models to do these calculations—you just need some time.   We’ll take you all the way from defining your “buy box” (know what you want to buy) to estimating expenses and revenue, running the numbers, and the extra “margin” we add in every single self storage deal to ensure it’ll be profitable.   Plus, what a good self storage investment looks like and how to secretly get your competitors’ rent prices so you’ll know just how much your facility can bring in.   Your first or next self storage deal is close—let’s make sure it’s a home run!   What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to analyze a self storage facility from scratch, even if you have no prior experience The secret way to know your competitors’ pricing and how occupied they are  Why you must design your “buy box” before you analyze a single storage deal When to go from quick to full underwriting vs. pass on a so-so deal  The two biggest self storage expenses that you cannot ignore (or you’ll get burned!)    🌳 Live Oak Bank: https://www.liveoak.bank/      📉 TractIQ: https://tractiq.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/   📖 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 

This is the biggest thing to happen to the self storage industry in years.    Last week, the Fed made their much-anticipated decision to cut rates. In the weeks leading up to the decision, interest rates fell sharply, reigniting the homebuying process for hundreds of thousands of Americans sitting on the sidelines. Rate cuts and mortgage rate declines will have momentous effects on the self storage market, and, I believe, will usher in a new cycle for self storage investing and wealth creation.   We, up until recently, have been going through a self storage recession. What most self storage investors don’t know is that some 40% of our customers come from moving alone. Raise interest rates, stop home purchases, and you cut off the lifeblood of the storage business. But now, that’s changing—and it’s changing in a major way.   In this episode, I’m going to explain why the Fed made their decision now (and whether they were too late), what lower interest rates mean for the self storage industry as a whole and your facility’s occupancy, and what I’m doing to prepare for this next cycle.   This is going to be HUGE.   What you’ll learn in today’s show: Interest rate update and the Fed’s recent decision to (finally) cut rates  What happens to self storage when rates fall (even by a small margin) How lower interest rates could bring back rent increases for storage facilities  My investing plan if rates continue to trend downward  Why the Fed changed their tone and what their new verbiage means  — Sign Up for the Self Storage Income Newsletter! - https://www.selfstorageincome.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/ 

This one small-town storage facility has made today’s guest over $500,000. And if you’re interested in buying your first storage facility, there’s no better inspiration than this. With one self storage investment, Braedon Haertling has added another 9-5-sized income stream and increased value by close to $1,000,000, all while working a full-time job. He had no experience, but a lot of drive, and didn’t do anything you can’t.   Braedon tried the rental property route, but scaling to 100+ doors didn’t seem like the best bet. Why buy 100 rentals when investing in storage units can get you to 100 doors with just one purchase? Thankfully, Braedon knew of someone who may be too busy to run their storage facility anymore. He gave them a call, scored a $0-down self storage facility, and the rest is history.    Got a 9-5? You can invest in self storage. Got kids and a family to take care of? You can invest in self storage. Think you need to know everything before getting your first facility? You couldn’t be more wrong. Thanks to simply taking action, Braedon now has a six-figure-producing self storage investment, $500,000+ in equity, and is hungry for his next deal!   What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to use the “seller carry” strategy to buy a self storage facility for $0 down Creating massive value ($1,000,000!) with simple improvements to your storage facility  Is your town too small for self storage? How Braedon gets 90%+ occupancy in a 3,200-person town  One big mistake Braedon made, but later turned it into a substantial payday  Why you should NOT quit your job to invest in self storage (unless…) — Grab AJ’s Book, _Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0_: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/book  Braedon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoragemat/ Braedon’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thestoragemat 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 📑 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/ 

Buying a storage facility? Make sure you spot any of these 12 self storage investing red flags. If you’re able to avoid them successfully, you could be buying a killer next investment, with high occupancy, high rates, and steady cash flow. After investing in dozens of self storage facilities, with millions of rentable square feet, we’ve nailed down the 12 deadly self storage red flags that can prevent a facility from taking off.  There are two types of red flags: the ones you can fix, and the ones you can’t. The fixable ones might mean you have a serious opportunity within your market, and you can flip that red flag to a green one. The unfixable red flags…that’s another story. Don’t worry, we’re going to spell out each so you know which red flags to run from, and which could make you money.  We’re talking about red flags like: declining populations, too much supply, high vacancy, weak local economics, poor visibility (online and on the street!), and more. Do you think you know which you can fix? Think again, we’re giving you the exact list of self storage red flags.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: The 12 self storage investing red flags every investor should be aware of  Is a declining population always a bad thing for storage? How to stop your competitors from building near you and boosting supply The “secret” way to find out how occupied other facilities are in the area  How much should your self storage customers make? We’ll share the perfect income range  Which red flags can be flipped to green flags so you can profit! — Register Now for SSI Live - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/live-event  Get 1-on-1 Coaching from Conner! - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/coaching   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 

The final wave of wealth creation in self storage is here. After this, smaller investors will have a very tough time breaking into the industry.   I already missed out on the first wave, but successfully rode the second. Now, the self storage swell is starting again, but this time, small, medium, and large self storage investors will all benefit. Are you ready to ride? I’ve been investing in self storage for two decades. I bought during the crash when everyone said I was crazy, called the self storage bubble before it ballooned, and am now warning you about the new “wave” of wealth coming for self storage. Many mom-and-pop storage facilities have already been bought up during the second wave, taking us from 90% small investors in the market to only 50%. That number is shrinking every day, and your first or next self storage investment is being bought up.   How do you get in the game so you can profit heavily from what’s to come? I’m giving you the complete game plan, outlining the first two “waves,” how to take advantage of the third one coming, and even sharing a free resource you can use to get in the know before 99% of other investors. Self storage investors could be wealthier than ever before, but if you don’t own, you won’t catch the wave.   What you’ll learn in today’s show: The final wave of self storage wealth that’s coming very soon  The old vs. new self storage model and how to create wealth with a small or struggling facility  How to run your storage facility like a business (and make it worth much more) Why “consolidation” is coming, and only owners will profit from the change  The new technology that is about to change self storage investing forever   — We’ll be hosting a live webinar in September diving into how AI is changing the self-storage industry. Make sure you don’t miss it—sign up for our newsletter today and you’ll be the first to get the official date and registration link! https://ajosborne.com/newsletter  Register for the Self Storage Income Live Event: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/live-event Grab AJ’s Book https://www.selfstorageincome.com/book  NowMetrics https://nowmetrics.co/ 

With so many investment options—single-family homes, duplexes, the stock market—it’s easy to overlook self storage. But the truth is that a self storage facility is one of the best first investments, and you’re about to find out why. Whether you’re just starting your investing journey or looking to diversify your portfolio, storage could be a supercharger for your wealth.    In this episode, AJ and Conner break down why you don’t need to “work your way up” to self storage investing. What if we told you that these facilities offer better cash flow, more tenant diversification, and even lower barriers to entry in many cases—all for the same cost as a regular rental property? Even better: tenants aren’t calling you about backed-up toilets in the middle of the night!   Self storage is one of the lowest-defaulting assets in the US, meaning it’s much more profitable and less risky than you probably think. We get into the advantages these facilities have over residential real estate, as well as how direct investments compare to public markets (like stocks). We’ll also discuss the massive value-add opportunities that institutional investors are leaving to you, the small investor!   What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why a self storage facility is one of the best first investments in 2025 How to buy a self storage facility for even less money than a single-family home Why self storage gives you higher returns with less risk than many other investments The small, value-add facilities institutional investors overlook (and leave to you!) The most common fears and myths about self storage investing (debunked!) — Register Now for SSI Live https://www.selfstorageincome.com/live-event  🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/

Today we’re giving a complete financial walkthrough of our newest self storage investment. From purchase price to rental income, return numbers, and how we’re funding it, this is a complete breakdown of a facility that could very well be bringing in $1,000,000/year in the near future. This was not only a deal but a steal, and proves that there are profitable facilities in the market just waiting to be bought up.   But this storage investment is a little special. We’re not just acquiring a facility, upgrading it, and waiting for the rents to roll in. We’re expanding on this self storage investment, adding over 200 units to an already profitable investment. The best part? We’re planning to massively increase not only the cash flow, but the tax benefits by doing so, allowing us to cash-out a substantial tax-free sum in the next few years.   This facility is in what we call a “Goldilocks Zone.” There are hundreds of markets around the country that are stuck in these sweet spots that YOU can be buying in right now. Want to see how we conservatively underwrite self storage deals so they’re primed to overperform? We’re sharing all the numbers (and our methods) in this episode!   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Our plan to increase this facility’s revenue by hundreds of thousands The “Goldilocks” markets that every self storage investor should be looking into How we underwrite and analyze self storage investments (conservatively) The massive tax incentive for investors to build new units and expand their properties  The solid returns we’ll make WITHOUT factoring in market appreciation Register for the Self Storage Income Live Event: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/live-event Get our FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/youtube Self Storage Demand 101: Know WHAT to Buy (Full Guide): https://youtu.be/5GYZbRXkODk?si=ihzn_Qnn26r_C4yj 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 📖 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 demand—quite frankly, the most important factor when buying a self storage facility. Get it wrong, and you could lose tens or even hundreds of thousands when you sell. Get it right, and you’ve got cash flow, huge value-add potential, and the formula for a winning facility. This is the make-or-break of self storage, and even the newest investors can get rich with strong enough demand, while experienced investors can go broke getting it wrong.   So, you’re about to buy your first or next self storage facility—how do you measure demand before you buy? How do you tell what nearby facilities are charging and how full they are, and whether they’re even your competition? Today, we’re giving you a complete guide to self storage demand.   We’ll teach you how to measure your local demand and even predict future demand so you don’t buy in a declining market. Plus, who is the “ideal customer” for your storage facility? Other units in the area may not serve them, allowing you to fill a gap in the market. This is crucial for self storage investing, and we’ve already made the mistakes, so you don’t have to.    What you’ll learn in today’s show:   How to estimate current demand (and future demand) in your self storage market Why occupancy doesn’t matter and how you can still get high revenue with vacancy  Why square footage per capita measurements are often wrong (and can throw you off track) The customers who need self storage the most and don’t have enough space Pinpointing your “ideal customer” so you can target them better than your competitors  Buying in a declining or small market? Get this right before you buy  — Check out this previous episode: SSI 259. Turning Apartment Storage Lockers into Full-Blown “Micro” Storage Facilities https://www.selfstorageincome.com/podcasts/self-storage-income-2/episodes/2148839451  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  Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/  Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us: https://cedar.cc/invest  Sign Up for My Newsletter Here: https://ajosborne.com/newsletter    

Investing in small self storage facilities is how almost everyone gets started. It’s where we began investing and probably where you did (or will), too. But sometimes small is a little too small. With too few doors, your expenses can quickly outweigh your revenue. Too big and you need to hire a manager. What’s the “sweet spot” in square footage that makes a great beginner self storage investment that’s easy to automate? We’re sharing it today.   Did you know that, even after investing hundreds of millions in self-storage, we still buy small facilities? It’s true. But, because we own so many, we know the pitfalls of running one, and how to automate it so you can work less—without hiring a full-time manager. How much do these facilities usually cost? What’s their profit and expense ratios? And what tech do we use to let customers rent without a single interaction from us?   If you’re about to buy, or currently own, a small self storage facility, this is your guide to running it right. Plus, if you’re a new investor, we have some cash flow tips that could save you when onboarding a new facility and all those expenses hit you at once—while you’re also chasing down rent payments. This could save your sanity next time you buy a small facility!   What you’ll learn in today’s show: The square footage “sweet spot” that is big enough to profit but small enough to automate  Why you should always (ALWAYS) look into a line of credit before closing on a facility  The different types of hidden costs you’ll incur once you buy a self storage facility  How small is too small (it’s NOT worth the investment) The actual expense ratio of a small self storage facility (it’s not what you think)     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  🌳 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 📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us: https://cedar.cc/invest   

The self storage industry is changing once again. A new cycle has already emerged, and we’re back to a familiar era of lower occupancy—but with it come better deals to be found. The market is drastically different from when we first started in the 2000s. Still, whether you’re a brand-new self storage investor or a massive private equity firm, the fundamentals remain the same.  AJ and Conner are walking through the evolution of our self storage business. From a couple of partners and a few small facilities to hundreds of employees and huge self storage projects. We scaled from nothing to over $300M in self storage, but the processes we used can be applied and repeated even by the smallest operator!  We’ll reveal the business “ecosystem” that makes up our self storage holdings, how self storage is changing, what’s coming down the pipeline, and answer YOUR questions on the show with topics like how to lease-up fast, uncover competitor occupancy rates, and get financing. For more on finding, buying, and running storage facilities, check out AJ’s new book Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0.  What you’ll learn in today’s show: The new stage of the self storage cycle we’re entering Buying opportunities as many ill-prepared self storage investors leave the market  The “ecosystem” of a successful self storage business (what we’re doing) How to raise occupancy at your self storage facility, even if it’s brand new Why we always “secret shop” at other self storage facilities before we build/buy  🌳 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 📉 Take advantage of today’s market conditions and invest with us: https://cedar.cc/invest   

What goes into a self storage development deal? You’re about to find out! Today, we’re breaking down the first self storage facility we ever built—everything from the property’s financials and the construction timeline to how we ultimately turned a $4.3-million project into a $13-million self storage business that generates over $350,000 in annual cash flow!   In this episode, AJ and George will show you how to take an initial concept and turn it into a fully stabilized self storage facility, step by step. The truth is that many developers approach self storage from the wrong angle, so we’ll show you what to focus on before getting started—like narrowing down your target customer and building with them in mind to the dangers of cutting corners on quality and focusing more on upfront costs than revenue potential.   But that’s not all. We’ll also share some of the things we wish we knew before building our first facility and the biggest lessons learned that saved us thousands on future projects. Whether you’re curious about the development side of the self storage industry or seriously considering your own development project, you don’t want to miss this one! What you’ll learn in today’s show: The step-by-step process of developing a self storage facility from scratch How we turned a $4.3M facility into a $13M+ business A complete breakdown of the self storage development timeline How to build a self storage facility that attracts premium customers Creating a competitive edge without low rent prices or cheap construction Why investing more money upfront leads to higher rents and less risk   Helpful Articles:  https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/10-crucial-tips-when-running-a-self-storage-business  https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/the-keys-to-stabilizing-a-self-storage-facility-don-t-miss-these  https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/the-self-storage-industry-a-brief-overview  🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! We seriously love them. https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/

Want to increase revenue at your self storage facility? Want tenants who will stay the longest and pay the highest rents? Today’s guest owns over 20 self storage facilities and has managed more than 100. He’s so good at what he does that we’ve even brought him on to help with our bigger facilities. In this episode, he shares his playbook for attracting the best self storage customers—and raising rents on tenants least likely to leave.  Kenny Pratt has over two decades of experience in commercial real estate. He was the Director of Operations at LifeStorage, responsible for maximizing income growth. He knows the secrets of the REITs and proved it by starting from scratch with Crescendo Properties and Crescendo Self Storage Management. Now, he owns 25 self storage facilities and runs all of them successfully, even with REITs nearby. What’s the optimal self storage customer? How do you get tenants to stay for longer? What are the “pain points” you can solve immediately to increase occupancy and revenue? And why should you never let your facility manager be the one making the sales? Kenny shares two decades of self storage secrets to put you on the financial freedom fast track with your portfolio!    What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Secrets that BIG facilities use to know who to raise rates on  The “rate lock” strategy that keeps customers renting for longer  The optimal self storage customer that will pay more and stay for years  A common “pain point” you can solve to get even more rentals at your facility  Creative financing is back! How Kenny is picking up self storage facilities in today’s market  Why you should NOT have your facility manager be in charge of sales  — Crescendo Self Storage Management - https://propertymanagement.storage/  Kenny’s LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennypratt/  Reset: How to Change What's Not Working - https://www.amazon.com/Reset-How-Change-Whats-Working/dp/1668062097  Want to increase revenue at your self storage facility? - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/blog/how-to-increase-revenue-in-self-storage-investing 

Want to know how to value a self storage facility? Stick around and we’ll show you! In this episode, seasoned appraiser Tim Garey breaks down the entire valuation process—and shows you how to get the right valuation. With more than twenty years of experience, Tim oversees a team of thirty appraisers nationwide at Cushman & Wakefield’s Self Storage Advisory Group. He has appraised all types of properties, from shopping centers and golf courses to industrial buildings and, of course, self storage facilities. In this episode, Tim will share how and why he got into the self storage industry before walking you through the entire appraisal process, step-by-step. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, Tim offers all kinds of helpful tips for working with appraisers—like the types of information you need to provide to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible and why it’s in your best interest to build a relationship with your appraiser. But that’s not all. He’ll also share why ordering your own appraisal could hurt your deal, and why self storage has seen a recent influx of private money! What you’ll learn in today’s show: How the self storage appraisal process works (step-by-step!) Why a property’s sale price and market value don’t always align What you must do to get the right valuation for your self storage facility Why more private money is moving into the self storage industry What you need to know before ordering your own appraisal Why it’s always in your best interest to cooperate with appraisers — Cushman & Wakefield Email Tim: [email protected] 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 

Building a storage facility may be easier now than it has been in the past five years. With so much of the competition out of the market, top-tier building companies are completing projects faster. And with higher tariffs on pause, now may be one of the best times to lock in pricing before they rise again. But maybe this is your first storage facility construction project or your first facility in general. What should you know BEFORE you start in 2025?    We brought Forge Building Company, the experts in self storage development, back on the show to give a 2025 update. They’re sharing the biggest opportunities for building in the 2025 market, the pitfalls that only experienced developers know to avoid, how to get your project passed by the city, and what’s happened to material costs since the latest round of tariffs.    Development demand has shrunk by a whopping 20% - 30%, so this could be the perfect time to get into the game before rates drop and demand skyrockets back up. Plus, Hamish Bell and Melissa Anderson from Forge even share the new types of “space” modern self storage facilities are adding to increase revenue AND make the city happy.    What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why the drop-off in self storage development demand could be a good thing for investors  Build now or wait? How to decide when tariffs could boomerang back  Signs that a self storage market is worth building a new facility in  How to get your plans approved by the city and get your inspection passed  Choosing the right unit types for YOUR specific market (do NOT blindly divide your unit mix) —   Attend the Self Storage Income Live Event!  https://www.selfstorageincome.com/live-event    Forging Ahead: Construction Resilience and Opportunity in 2025 - https://forgebuildings.com/forging-ahead-construction-resilience-and-opportunity-in-2025/    Forge Building Company - https://forgebuildings.com/    Interested in Building? Email: [email protected]    📌 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 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 📉 Learn about our current investment opportunities at Cedar Creek Capital: https://cedar.cc/invest 

Want to invest in self storage but feel like you're on an island? You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re buying your first self storage facility or looking to scale your portfolio fast, we have tools, resources, and, most importantly, a community to tap into—stick around and we’ll show you how to find everything you need!  In today’s episode, Conner and George share what Self Storage Income is all about: community, action, and growth. We dive into how the Inner Circle was born and how it has evolved into a one-stop shop for investors looking to fast-track their success. Complete with bookkeeping, virtual assistants (VAs), feasibility studies, coaching, and connections to self storage loans, deals, and brokers, this level of access is the game-changer most investors miss! Huge changes are coming to the self storage industry. Large operators are buying up mom-and-pop facilities, and the window of opportunity is shrinking fast. If you want the secrets to finding, funding, and running a profitable self storage business in 2025, you won’t want to miss this one!   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Fast-tracking your self storage journey through the power of community Unlocking consistent deal flow through the industry’s “one-stop shop” The easiest way to find brokers and lenders for your next self storage deal Scaling your portfolio fast with access to top industry connections Real self storage success stories from investors just like YOU — Schedule a Call with Our Team - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/learn    Need Money? How to Buy a Self Storage Deal with Partners (ep 293) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYlCTzQQykg 

Occupancy is often regarded as one of the most crucial metrics for self storage operators—but that’s a mistake. While we’d love for our facilities to be 100% full with the highest-paying customers in the area, this is rarely the case. In fact, higher self storage occupancy rates could be slowly killing your facility, making you less money and lowering your facility’s value by tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Jonah Hall, President and CIO of Cedar Creek Capital, knows (arguably) more about self storage occupancy than anyone in the industry. He’s the reason why while occupancy rates were dropping over the past few months, our income was going UP. That’s right, fewer customers, fewer storage rentals, and more revenue. How is that even possible? If you own a self storage facility or are planning on buying one, this is crucial information that could help you earn tens of thousands more every year. We’re talking about how to raise rents even when occupancy is low (and not lose customers), the biggest mistakes we made when taking over facilities, and the different types of “occupancy” plus which you should pay attention to most. We’ve tested these strategies across dozens of facilities, so you don’t have to. What you’ll learn in today’s show: Why occupancy rates don’t matter nearly as much as you think they do  How to increase your facility’s revenue even as occupancy rates are falling  A self storage industry update from our own portfolio (are downward trends reversing?) How to “train” your customers to lower your facility’s costs  The biggest mistake we made with rent raises at new facilities  How to know which unit sizes will have the most demand in your area  — Watch This BEFORE You Buy a Storage Facility | SSI Ep. 271 w/Jonah Hall - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQlF3qzVeJ4  Invest with AJ and Jonah! - https://cedar.cc/  Connect with Jonah on LinkedIn!  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonahmhall 

Whether you’ve got one self storage facility or twenty, you own a self storage business. And, if you’re like most of us, you want to keep growing. But you can’t be the one changing the locks, picking up the phone calls, answering the emails, and repairing the units while building your portfolio. If you’re doing this, you’re on track to have just another job instead of a fully fledged, profitable business. So, you’re tired of doing all the work. Who do you hire first? Today, we’re talking about teams. These are the people who will take your storage facility business to the next level. You might have zero employees or just a handyman and virtual assistant. Or, you could have full-time staff on the backend. Wherever you’re at, we’re sharing how you can scale faster, smarter, and WITHOUT making the same mistakes we did so you can work less, make more, and build your business faster. When we started, we were the ones shoveling the snow, repairing the units, changing locks, and answering calls. This quickly became too time-consuming, so we were forced to hire. Now, with $300M+ in self storage, our business has radically changed, but the steps we took have not. Follow these “levels” of leadership, and you’ll be able to make self storage your full-time business, or at least a more passive income stream that takes care of (much of) itself. What you’ll learn in today’s show: Who should be your first hire when running a self storage facility  The three “levels” of leadership you’ll go through as your business expands  How to ensure standards don’t start slipping when you leave the day-to-day operations  Start firing yourself! If you’ve got a full-time job, you need to STOP working on your facility  The biggest mistakes AJ made when taking on team members and leading employees  How to STOP working in your business and start working ON your business  Leave a Review for AJ’s New Book: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Wealth-Self-Storage-2-0-Post-Pandemic/dp/1735258865

The self storage industry has a data problem. How do you narrow down self storage deals? Which metrics matter when analyzing markets? How do you even find self storage data? These are just a few questions new investors have asked but have long gone unanswered…until now. Today’s guest is tipping the scales toward small investors and giving them the tools to compete with institutional players!   Today, we’re chatting with Noah Starr, CEO of TractIQ, a self storage platform that arms everyday investors with the information they need to make better, faster decisions. Noah quit his corporate job to start a self storage business, only to realize that it was difficult to find the data he needed to buy with confidence. Even in 2025, new investors still rely on surface-level metrics—through no fault of their own.   But now, Noah is democratizing the data that institutional buyers have used for decades so YOU can analyze deals properly and stop taking chances on your investments. Tune in as he shares how to identify high-opportunity markets, which signals drive self storage demand, and how TractIQ helps investors find profitable self storage facilities in seconds! What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to unlock better self storage deals using institutional-grade data Noah’s journey from corporate burnout to big-time self storage investor How to identify undervalued markets with low competition and HUGE upside The number one way new investors can compete with REITs (and actually win) The metrics that matter most when analyzing self storage markets Your secret weapon for finding profitable self storage facilities in seconds Self Storage Income Live Event 2025 https://www.selfstorageincome.com/live-event  TractIQ https://tractiq.com/ssi  Noah’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-starr  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  📌 Make self storage management easier than EVER with our podcast sponsor Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/

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