Self Storage Income

AJ Osborne
  • 4.9 (585)
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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. 328. Future-Proof Your Facility: What I Learned from Top Storage Facilities Abroad w/Alec Peeples

    21H AGO

    328. Future-Proof Your Facility: What I Learned from Top Storage Facilities Abroad w/Alec Peeples

    Imagine walking up to a self storage facility and renting a unit from your phone. Next month, you need to upgrade, and you can do it immediately, again from your phone. When you move out, you schedule a date from your phone and walk away. This is what automated self storage looks like, and if your facility doesn’t sound like this example, you could be in for a big wake-up call.   Alec Peeples from Storeganise saw this in real-time. After living abroad in Asia for 10 years, he saw what true “manless” self storage automation looks like. No full-time managers, just simple move-ins and move-outs for customers. Now, Storeganise works with over 1,500 facilities in more than 50 countries, and Alec gets to see what the future looks like before it gets to the U.S.    In this episode, Alec is breaking down the two things you need to implement to increase your revenue and lower your expenses, how Asian self storage facilities are years ahead of their American counterparts, and the exact tech stack you can start using today to automate your self storage facility, do less, and make more.    What you’ll learn in today’s show: How to automate your self storage facility, even if you’re in a small town or have a small facility  How to increase your profits even when rent raises are getting harder and harder to pull off  What Asian self storage facilities are doing to make it unbelievably easy for customers to move in  No more reserving units? Why many of Alec’s facilities are doing away with reservations altogether  The exact tech stack Alec recommends for self storage operators  — Connect with Alec on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-peeples/  Storeganise - https://storeganise.com/  Check out this episode on self storage in Brazil! Self Storage Income 263 - The Man Who Taught an Entire Country to Start Using Self Storage - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/podcasts/self-storage-income-2/episodes/2148876376

    39 min
  2. 327. He Built a 15-Facility Portfolio with These “Underrated” Skills (Not Money)

    DEC 16

    327. He Built a 15-Facility Portfolio with These “Underrated” Skills (Not Money)

    The self storage industry has finally bottomed out, and today’s guest believes there are more deals now than ever. He’s seizing the moment and buying self storage facilities left and right because in 18 months, these deals could completely dry up—leaving many wishing they had invested in self storage.   In this episode, Conner and George sit down with Ben Gottfredson, who, just a few years ago, depleted his life savings to build his first self storage facility. Since then, he has started his own private equity fund and scaled his self storage business to 15 facilities. But the truth is that Ben would still be stuck on his second deal if he hadn’t developed soft skills and forged invaluable partnerships that helped him rapidly grow his net worth and create lucrative investing opportunities for many close friends and family members.   Today, he’ll show you how to do just that—build out your network and teams in a way that allows you to grow your portfolio as quickly as possible. Ben also opens up about the blunders he made on past deals, from buying while the market was at its peak to cutting corners when stabilizing his facilities, so you don’t repeat his costly mistakes! What you’ll learn in today’s show:   How Ben has scaled from one to 15 self storage facilities in only a few years Why now is the best buying window the self storage industry has seen in years The top-down and bottom-up approaches to building your self storage business Fast-tracking your investments through education and networking How to scale your portfolio faster with smart investing partnerships “Underrated” soft skills that provide rare self storage investing opportunities — 🔵 Join Inner Circle https://www.selfstorageincome.com/inner-circle  ▶️ Buying Your First Facility in a Small Town w/ Ben Gottfredson | SSI Podcast #217 - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/podcasts/self-storage-income-2/episodes/2148265195  🚛 Big Storage Ventures - https://www.instagram.com/bigstorageventures

    58 min
  3. 326. He Left His 20-Year Dentistry Practice for Self Storage (And Would Do It Again) with Wayde Elliott

    DEC 9

    326. He Left His 20-Year Dentistry Practice for Self Storage (And Would Do It Again) with Wayde Elliott

    Self storage investing isn’t always smooth sailing, but the market tends to reward those who stay the course. From wild construction-site break-ins to complex newspaper-building conversions, this self storage investor has seen it all—yet he’s still built a multimillion-dollar storage business that supported his family after a health incident took away his main source of income. In today’s episode, AJ and Conner are chatting with Wayde Elliott, founder of StoreIT. When spinal fusion surgery forced him to leave his successful dentistry practice of 20 years, Wayde turned to the only backup plan he had: self storage. Since going all-in, he has scaled to roughly a dozen self storage facilities across California and Oregon. Despite taking on ground-up developments and complex conversion projects, sharp self storage analysis, collaboration, and persistence have helped him carve out his own corner of the market where even REITs struggle to compete. Stay tuned for not only a wealth of sage advice but also one of the most bizarre break-in stories you’ll ever hear—involving secret tunnels, missing cameras, and an exhausting cat-and-mouse chase!   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   The wildest self storage break-in story we’ve ever heard  How Wayde built a self storage portfolio that allowed him to leave his high-paying career The “hack” that helps you dodge rookie mistakes and scale your portfolio faster Blending automation and on-site supervision with the hybrid management model What you must know before tackling a self storage conversion project Why doing “difficult things in difficult times” gives you a competitive advantage — 🔸 StoreIT: https://storeit.com 📸 Wayde’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waydeelliottdmd 🔵 Join Inner Circle: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/inner-circle 🌳 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

    48 min
  4. 325. From Corporate to Cash Flow with 4 Self Storage Facilities (All Self-Managed)

    DEC 2

    325. From Corporate to Cash Flow with 4 Self Storage Facilities (All Self-Managed)

    After one self storage investment, Darren and Jyoti Osten knew they wanted out of residential real estate. They had bought rental properties, a fixer-upper, and an apartment building, but none were as profitable or passive as self storage investing. Now, six years later, they have four self storage facilities and a small, but stable, portfolio that they run from over 1,000 miles away.    When a property manager brought Darren and Jyoti a self storage deal at a time they were tired of the toilets and tenants of rentals, they made the leap. They loved it so much they bought one more, then another, then decided to self-manage, and buy another one. They knew nothing about self storage management from the start, but quickly were able to raise rents, get higher-quality tenants, and do a big self storage expansion on one of their facilities.    Today, they’re sharing the easy moves they made to raise their facilities’ rents, get more revenue, increase security, and fix delinquency. Plus, how they 2x-3x-ed one facility’s value with an expansion project, giving them much higher revenue. You can do this, too, even if you’re working full-time and even if you have no experience.   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Why you should self-manage your own self storage facilities (makes much more money!) Don’t want to deal with rental properties? Storage might be your best option  Expanding your storage facility and the cost to double the space (plus a 0% down loan to try) Why occupancy is not that important and how to get higher revenue with fewer customers Easy online marketing that any self storage facility can implement to fill up faster     — Juniper Investors - https://juniperinvestors.com/index.html    Join the Self Storage Income Community!  - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/learn

    35 min
  5. 324. 3 Self Storage Loans We’re Using Today (SBA, Seller Finance, Private Money)

    NOV 25

    324. 3 Self Storage Loans We’re Using Today (SBA, Seller Finance, Private Money)

    Financing is a necessary hurdle to clear when buying a self storage facility, and in this market, it’s more crucial than ever to explore all your self storage loan options and get creative when structuring deals. The good news is, you likely have even more negotiating power today than in years past!   In this episode, AJ and Conner are pulling back the curtain and sharing multiple financing strategies you can use to fund your next self storage deal. First, they dig into seller financing and share the three-option approach they use to win over hesitant owners. Then, they discuss Small Business Administration (SBA) loans that, when done right, allow you to put as little as 10% down. They also cover several methods of raising private capital, from pitching opportunities to close friends and family to bringing on a hard money lender.   With these financing strategies, you may not even need the bank to get into a proven asset class like self storage. Once your self storage business is stabilized, follow AJ and Conner’s refinancing tips to lock in great terms on a long-term loan!   What you’ll learn in today’s show: Several ways to fund your next self storage facility (even without the banks) The secret to pitching seller financing as a win-win for both sides Three golden “rules” to follow when structuring a seller financing deal Putting as little as 10% down on a self storage facility with an SBA loan What every investor must know when refinancing into a more “permanent” loan Links:  🌳 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

    53 min
  6. 323. Why This Husband and Wife Bought Storage Instead of Rentals (No Regrets)

    NOV 18

    323. Why This Husband and Wife Bought Storage Instead of Rentals (No Regrets)

    This husband and wife skipped rental properties and went straight to self storage investing. They kept hearing the regrets from other investors saying “we wish we scaled faster.” So, why wait to scale to bigger properties when you can just buy them from the start? That’s exactly what Matthew Rojas and Jingwen Ni did, and they have zero regrets.   It took Matthew and Jingwen two years to find the perfect self storage investment. But, the waiting was worth it. They landed a seller financed, completely full, storage facility with 30%-40% room to increase rents. How did it go with the current customers? They’ll share the entire story from finding the first facility to negotiating, raising rents, and automating it with software and smart upgrades.   But they didn’t stop. Now, they have two self storage facilities—the newest being a high cash flow “land lease,” that few storage owners even know is possible. Beginners, this is the repeatable model to follow to get your first, second, or third self storage facility!   What you’ll learn in today’s show:   Why you should skip rental properties and go straight for self storage and commercial real estate  How to get the perfect self storage investments sent to you from brokers and wholesalers  Raising rents by 30%-40% with very few move outs (do what Matthew and Jingwen did!) “Land leasing” self storage facilities for high cash flow and big tax benefits  Why occupancy does not matter in self storage, what you should focus on instead    — Join the Self Storage Income Community  - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/ssi-membership  Go Beyond Properties - https://gobeyondproperties.com/

    37 min
  7. 322. Self Storage Financing for Beginners: How to Fund Your Next Deal (Fast)

    NOV 11

    322. Self Storage Financing for Beginners: How to Fund Your Next Deal (Fast)

    You’ve found a self storage deal, but to get to the closing table, you’re also going to need a lender. For many new investors, self storage financing is the most intimidating part of the process, but in this episode, Conner and George will share everything you need to know to get your first or next self storage facility fully funded.   The truth is that self storage is one of the least-defaulting asset classes today, and with one simple but crucial mindset shift, you’ll stop feeling like you’re “asking for money” and start confidently presenting attractive opportunities to banks, partners, and investors. You’ll learn how to speak the lender’s language and the keys to getting approved for a self storage loan.   We’ll also walk you through a checklist of essential documents, tips for analyzing self storage deals, and resources that will connect you with the best lenders. Plus, we’ll show you how to use debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) as a powerful negotiation tool and how to craft a business plan that gives lenders the confidence to partner with you. What you’ll learn in today’s show:   How to find a great lender for your first or next self storage deal Using debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) as a powerful negotiation tool Crafting a business plan that makes your self storage facility stand out Essential documents to have ready when working with a lender Why you should always talk to multiple lenders when funding a deal The massive advantage self storage has over other asset classes   — Learn More About Feasibility Studies - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/feasibility  Email info@selfstorageincome.com to Be Connected to a Lender Self Storage Analysis 101: How to Underwrite a Self Storage Facility - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4u4-OJbhnA  Live Oak Bank - https://www.liveoak.bank/

    54 min
  8. 321. How We (Remote!) Manage Our 19-Facility Self Storage Business

    NOV 4

    321. How We (Remote!) Manage Our 19-Facility Self Storage Business

    You can live hundreds of miles away from your self storage facility and still run it successfully. Just hear from Bill DeWaal and Korbin Smoot, founders of Better Self Storage. They’ve got 19 facilities across multiple states and run self storage management to perfection with a team of VAs, a director of operations, and without having to fix, overlock, or inspect a single unit.   You can invest from anywhere in the country, or even anywhere in the world, and this is how you do it.   Bill and Korbin are what a solid partnership looks like. Korbin is chasing deals while Bill is making sure the facilities make sense. Their formula clearly works, as now they have 19 facilities and are experts in self storage remote management. Plus, they’ll share what a great partner looks like, so you don’t get into the self storage business with a bad actor.   Don’t know what to buy when sellers are still asking too much, but the numbers won’t budge? Bill and Korbin define their buy box for small, scalable remote facilities, and how they easily increased revenue by 300% at one facility, and the impressive outsourcing they do so these two can focus on building their portfolio, not managing units. Plus, underwriting (analysis) tweaks they’ve made to ensure they’re getting a deal, not a dud, and how to compete with the REITs who drop prices fast and furiously.    What you’ll learn in today’s show:   What makes a great self storage partnership, and how to find someone who plays off of your strengths Remote managing a sizable self storage investment portfolio (it’s more than possible) How to use virtual assistants (VAs) to clear hours of work off your plate every day The real reason you want to buy multiple facilities in the same market (so much less work) Bill and Korbin’s buy box for small, but seriously profitable, self storage facilities  Setting your self storage rates when the big facilities around the block are offering fire sales   — Join AJ’s Self Storage Income Inner Circle - https://www.selfstorageincome.com/inner-circle  Better Self Storage - https://www.betterselfstorage.com/  Korbin's Contact Information: KorbinSmoot@gmail.com, 801-505-2334 Bill’s Contact Information: 801-910-0594 __ 🌳 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/  📖 Sign up for Our Weekly Newsletter: https://ajosborne.com/newsletter

    1h 8m
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4.9
out of 5
585 Ratings

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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    324
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Copyright 2020-2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Self Storage Income

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