Self Storage Income

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 podcast delves into the critical skills needed for success in self-storage and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability and a unique mindset in overcoming challenges. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate resilience and embrace the power of making their own opportunities. The host shares personal stories of growth and decision-making that illustrate how to spot overlooked chances and turn them into success. Preparing for 2025 becomes a motivational rallying point for those eager to build thriving businesses.

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: derek@4731group.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/ 🎙️ 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