Self Storage Income

AJ Osborne
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Investing
  • Updated weekly

The authority on creating wealth and income through self storage. Find our video podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoaCszL7eN9T7EixaJgL49WTLsT-CWLD1

  1. 355. How to Make Self Storage Offers Sellers Actually Accept (LOI Breakdown)

    4 hr ago

    355. How to Make Self Storage Offers Sellers Actually Accept (LOI Breakdown)

    You’re inches away from buying your first self storage facility. This is where 99% of new investors get stuck. They run the numbers, come up with an offer that works, and…freeze. They wait too long to send the offer, get too nervous, and weeks later see that same facility sold for even less than they were offering. Get out of your own way—this is how you make an offer on your first self storage facility. Conner and George have analyzed thousands of facilities and helped craft hundreds of offers. Today, they’re sharing the step-by-step breakdown of how you can do the same so your offer gets accepted, you get in the game, and you’re a step closer to building your self storage portfolio. We’ll help you get over the hump and write your first LOI, show you the quick deal analysis format we follow to make (accurate) offers ASAP, share the one thing that we ask a seller for with every LOI we send in, and figure out what a “good” deal looks like so you can jump on it when you see it. Your first self storage investment is closer than you think—this breakdown will help you get to it. What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to write an LOI that shows the seller you’re serious The “quick” deal analysis you can perform to screen any potential facilities coming your way SSI’s new challenge to get your first accepted offer in a month (or less) The expense ratio we use when quickly analyzing self storage facilities to see if they’ll work The contacts you need in your network to confirm the deal you’re buying will profit — 📑 How to Analyze a Self Storage Facility (Beginners Start Here!): https://www.selfstorageincome.com/podcasts/self-storage-income-2/episodes/2149212108  👥 Schedule a 1-on-1 Coaching Call with Conner: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/coaching?el=pc-ep355  📊 TractIQ: https://tractiq.com/ 🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/  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?el=pc-ep355

    42 min
  2. 354. This Self Storage Risk Is Also Its Biggest Wealth-Building Opportunity in Years

    23 Jun

    354. This Self Storage Risk Is Also Its Biggest Wealth-Building Opportunity in Years

    The next three years will make or break self storage investors. This isn’t hyperbole. The self storage industry is shifting, and the biggest players—like Public Storage and Extra Space Storage—are telling us exactly what’s about to happen. Their 2026 playbook is all about locking in fixed-rate debt, moving away from variable-rate debt, and lending to private operators in distress. On the surface, it appears that they’re simply mitigating risk, but that’s not all. They’re also filling their deal funnel for when smaller operators start to crack. Then there’s the bond market. The yield curve is flattening, signaling short-term headwinds. Floating-rate debt, bridge loans, and markets with supply pressure are all landmines for investors. But the higher the risk, the greater the opportunity. 2026 and 2027 could represent one of the greatest wealth-creation opportunities self storage and commercial real estate have seen in decades. And if you pay attention to the signs today, you’ll find yourself on the right side of things when the self storage industry shakes up.   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   The three-part playbook self storage institutions are using in 2026 Why major players are lending to small self storage operators  What the bond market is telling us about commercial real estate risk Three “danger zones” self storage investors should avoid through 2027  The two primary ways to create wealth through self storage   Grab AJ’s Book, Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0 : https://a.co/d/aRSKcSq 👥 Join the Self Storage Income Community to learn how to buy, build, and scale your self storage portfolio: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/learn-yt?el=yt-episode-354 ✍️ Sign Up for AJ's Newsletter! He shares news and advice weekly about: self storage, business, entrepreneurship, economics, finance, and more! https://ajosborne.com/newsletter.

    23 min
  3. 353. Self Storage Won’t Give You Passive Income, But It CAN Make You Rich

    16 Jun

    353. Self Storage Won’t Give You Passive Income, But It CAN Make You Rich

    There’s a massive lie floating around the self storage industry: that it’s passive. It’s not. But it’s so worth it. And self storage isn’t your average active investment either. It’s a full-fledged business with income, expenses, overhead, marketing, and more. Even self storage facilities that are remotely managed require boots on the ground, fine-tuned systems and processes, and the means to track crucial metrics. If this is your first self storage facility, you may be wearing multiple hats—at least at first. But the beauty of this asset class is that it’s highly scalable. With the right foundation in place, you could grow a large self storage portfolio that helps you achieve all of your investing goals—all while enjoying the type of lifestyle you want. The thing is, you’re going to need help. We share the ideal tech stack, ways to find reliable contractors, and the first hire you should make. From improving your curb appeal and managing move-outs to monitoring your competition, we’re covering everything you need to pay attention to if you want your self storage business to thrive in 2026. What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Why self storage isn’t a passive investment (but still worth it) The most important metrics to track within your self storage business How to improve self storage operations with key systems and processes How to find reliable contractors to assist with facility maintenance and upkeep Everything you need to manage your self storage facility remotely   Resources Grab AJ’s Book, Growing Wealth in Self-Storage - 2.0 https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Wealth-Self-Storage-2-0-Post-Pandemic/dp/1735258865  Join the Self Storage Income Community - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/learn  Cedar Creek Capital - https://cedar.cc/  Patchwork Labs - https://www.patchworklabs.com/

    50 min
  4. 352. Self Storage Deals Are Selling for 50% Below Asking (How to Find Them)

    9 Jun

    352. Self Storage Deals Are Selling for 50% Below Asking (How to Find Them)

    Self storage deals just keep getting better in 2026—or at least that’s what people keep saying. We’re seeing a few major shifts throughout the self storage industry. First, transactions are up. Sellers are finally accepting reality, slashing prices, and taking lower offers. Frank DeSalvo, managing director of self storage investment sales at Franklin Street, is seeing self storage facilities sell for up to 50% off their list price. At the same time, we’re seeing more signs of distress, which could ramp up in the coming months as interest rates remain high and debt comes due. But if this is the case, where are all these deals? You won’t find many of them in the top 25-50 MSAs. REITs and private equity have a stranglehold on these large, first-tier markets. But the secondary and tertiary markets? This is where “small” self storage investors have been seeing massive opportunities since the end of 2025. We’ll show you exactly where we’re finding these discounted deals, the “sweet spot” self storage facilities you’ll want to target, and the biggest red flags to watch for—whether you’re analyzing a self storage deal or a new market. What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to find self storage deals in secondary and tertiary markets The “winning” playbook for small self storage investors looking to buy in 2026  Why we’re seeing more distress throughout the self storage industry   The best self storage markets we’re targeting right now   The biggest red flags to avoid when analyzing self storage markets    Join the Self Storage Income Community to learn how to buy, build, and scale your self storage portfolio: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/learn  Grab AJ’s Book, _Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0_ : https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Wealth-Self-Storage-2-0-Post-Pandemic/dp/1735258865 Connect with Frank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-desalvo-94904531  Connect with Frank on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankvincentdesalvo/

    57 min
  5. 351. Self Storage Analysis 101: How to Find and Underwrite Deals (Step by Step)

    2 Jun

    351. Self Storage Analysis 101: How to Find and Underwrite Deals (Step by Step)

    You want to buy a self storage facility, but you don’t know where to find one, or how to analyze one, or even where to begin. You’re in luck because today, we’re showing you exactly how to analyze a self storage facility, step by step. We break down the entire process, from creating your buy box, finding listings, and reviewing offering memorandums (OMs) to evaluating markets and analyzing competitors. We’ll even show you two real properties currently listed online, go over the numbers, comb through the photos, and tell you what we might do if we were buying them. You’ll quickly learn that some figures matter far more than others. The purchase price is always negotiable (especially in this market), and low occupancy isn’t a dealbreaker if there’s self storage demand. Whether you’re targeting stabilized assets or value-add opportunities that allow you to increase revenue, use this practical framework to hone your self storage underwriting skills and achieve the ultimate goal: buying your first or next facility! Join the Self Storage Income Community to learn how to buy, build, and scale your self storage portfolio!   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   How to analyze a self storage facility (step by step) Offering memorandums (OMs) explained, and how to use one The best places to find self storage facilities listed for sale Why you should build your buy box before analyzing self storage deals What to look for when evaluating a self storage investing opportunity Why self storage market demand matters more than occupancy — Join the Self Storage Income Community: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/learn?el=pc-ep351 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?el=pc-ep351 Grab AJ’s Book, _Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0_ : https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Wealth-Self-Storage-2-0-Post-Pandemic/dp/1735258865    Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank!  https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/

    53 min
  6. 350. He Bought a Self Storage Facility for Less Than a Rental Property ($5K Down)

    26 May

    350. He Bought a Self Storage Facility for Less Than a Rental Property ($5K Down)

    People think you need millions to get started in self storage. You don’t. You’re about to hear about someone who just bought a self storage facility for less than a single-family home. And not only that—they put just $5,000 down. Now, rather than dealing with tenants and toilets, they’re getting a 42-unit self storage business that provides immediate cash flow and offers serious value-add potential. Today, we’re highlighting wins just like these, from “small” investors just like you. We’ll get into how smart investors are building out their capital “stacks,” structuring partnerships, and identifying the best markets to invest in. We’re also addressing the most common pain points and questions investors have when running a self storage business. What are the best ways to leverage AI? Should you have cell towers installed on your property to increase revenue? Is it a good idea to do away with security deposits? How do you get insurance costs under control? We answer all of these and more! Join the Self Storage Income Community to learn how to buy, build, and scale your self storage portfolio!  What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Recent investing wins, questions, and pain points from the SSI forums Leveraging AI to improve operations and increase your bottom line How to keep your self storage facility’s insurance costs in check What to know before structuring your capital “stack” or partnership How to increase revenue by placing cell towers on your property The number one mistake investors make when analyzing a self storage market   — Grab AJ’s Book, Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0 - https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Wealth-Self-Storage-2-0-Post-Pandemic/dp/1735258865  Join the Self Storage Income Community - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/learn  Patchwork Labs - https://www.patchworklabs.com/  Tenant Inc. - https://www.tenantinc.com/  Storelocal - https://www.storelocal.com/

    42 min
  7. 349. From “Accidental” Investor to Owning 13 Self Storage Facilities (2,800+ Units!)

    19 May

    349. From “Accidental” Investor to Owning 13 Self Storage Facilities (2,800+ Units!)

    Self storage was never part of Tanner Herget’s plan. He started as a customer, renting a unit for his restaurant equipment. A year later, he bought the self storage facility. That property had 180 units. Today, it has 460. And that was just his first deal. Since then, Tanner has tightened his buy box, refined his investing strategy, and scaled his self storage portfolio to 13 facilities and over 2,800 units—all managed remotely by just two office employees. His playbook? Buying small self storage investments at a discount, then adding massive value through expansions and operational upgrades, one property at a time. This is how Tanner creates enormous wealth, making $500,000 per self storage facility. Today, he, AJ, and Conner are breaking down how to recycle the same capital again and again, dial in the ideal unit mix at your facility, and improve operations through vertical integration. If you’re in self storage for more than just extra cash flow or tax benefits—and want to build true generational wealth—pay close attention to what Tanner’s doing.   What you’ll learn in today’s show: How this “accidental” investor scaled to 13 facilities and over 2,800 units The self storage expansion playbook that makes $500,000 per facility Increasing revenue with a vertically-integrated self storage business Three steps to maximizing occupancy at any self storage facility How to build generational wealth through self storage investing — Grab AJ’s Book, Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0 - https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Wealth-Self-Storage-2-0-Post-Pandemic/dp/1735258865

    1hr 2min
  8. 348. Self Storage’s “Unfair” Advantage (Why It Beats Most Other Asset Classes)

    12 May

    348. Self Storage’s “Unfair” Advantage (Why It Beats Most Other Asset Classes)

    Self storage businesses beat most other investments, and it’s not even close. Wherever you’re thinking about parking your money—whether it be rental properties, the stock market, or service-based businesses—the truth is, self storage has the edge over all of them. Most investors look at other businesses and see low startup costs and flexibility, and they’re not wrong. But what they’re missing is what some of these businesses don’t have: hard assets, tax benefits, all kinds of financing options, and one massive benefit that often goes overlooked: The dollar your self storage facility makes is worth far more than the dollar most other investments make. Why? Because in self storage, that dollar not only increases revenue but also grows the value of your facility. And unlike rental properties, which require many hours of physical labor and renovation costs, self storage facilities can grow in value in a matter of months—without swinging a hammer or pulling up carpet, but with simple operational improvements. So, how do you do it? We’ve got the blueprint.   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   The biggest advantages self storage has over other investment strategies Ways to increase the revenue (and value) of your self storage business The many tax benefits that come with commercial real estate investing Why self storage facilities are more resilient than other assets during downturns The number one problem with owning a service-based business — Grab AJ’s Book, _Growing Wealth in Self-Storage 2.0_ : https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Wealth-Self-Storage-2-0-Post-Pandemic/dp/1735258865   Join the Self Storage Income Community: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/learn-yt _Buy Then Build_ : https://www.amazon.com/Buy-Then-Build-Walker-Deibel-audiobook/dp/B081BBMM78/

    38 min
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About

The authority on creating wealth and income through self storage. Find our video podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoaCszL7eN9T7EixaJgL49WTLsT-CWLD1

Information

  • Creator
    AJ Osborne
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    351
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Copyright 2020-2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Self Storage Income

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