In this very special crossover episode, I sat down with my good friend Joe Dellefave on the Creative Finance Playbook podcast to share the real story of why I walked away from a highly profitable wholesaling business at the peak of COVID to go all-in on self-storage. Everyone thought I was crazy—until they saw what storage could do.

We dive into how I run nearly 900 units across multiple states with no employees, why wholesaling left me feeling stuck and overworked, and how storage helped me reclaim my time and build scalable, predictable wealth. I also break down the first deals I did—none of which used my own money—and share how creative finance, focus, and a powerful "why" made it all possible. If you're grinding in single-family and wondering if there's a better way, this episode is your roadmap out.

You'll Learn How To:

• Transition from single-family to storage investing with confidence
• Break through limiting beliefs and start building wealth now
• Use SBA loans, seller financing, and private capital to fund your deals
• Find clarity on your "buy box" and attract the right opportunities
• Operate remote storage businesses efficiently—even with a small team

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [0:00] From wholesaling grind to freedom—my story in a nutshell
• [2:10] Real talk: building a business I wanted to escape from
• [5:17] The cashflow myth of rentals and why storage made more sense
• [7:39] The mastermind moment that sparked my big pivot
• [11:07] The limiting beliefs that almost kept me out of storage
• [14:15] My first $0-down deal and how it came from absolute clarity
• [17:19] How to build trust, communicate like a pro, and close confidently
• [19:18] Running 900 units remotely with no on-site staff
• [22:49] The power of recession-resistant income and small market strategy
• [25:02] Why finding the right tribe is the fastest path to success

Who This Episode Is For:

• Wholesalers, flippers, and landlords tired of being on the hamster wheel
• Investors looking for more scalable, predictable cash flow
• Anyone craving a business model that gives you your life back
• Action takers ready to make 2026 the year of their first storage facility

Why You Should Listen:

Leaving a profitable business wasn't easy—but it was necessary. I knew there had to be a better way to create real freedom, and storage became the answer. In this episode, I share the full behind-the-scenes of how I made the leap, what it took, and why I'll never look back. If you've ever wondered, "Is there more than this?"—the answer is yes. And this is your permission to go after it.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Follow Joe here:

• Joe's Podcast: https://creativefinanceplaybook.com/podcast
• Joe's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativefinanceplaybook

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

If you've been circling the self-storage world, consuming content, running numbers, and still haven't pulled the trigger—this episode is for you. In today's message, I break down the exact four-step framework that's helping new investors get off the sidelines and finally close their first storage facility in six months or less.

We're talking about what's really keeping you stuck—deal fog, fear of funding, and analysis paralysis—and how to overcome them with a clear, repeatable roadmap. I share examples from coaching clients who went from frozen in fear to fully funded and cash-flowing. If 2026 is the year you stop watching and start owning, this episode gives you the game plan you've been waiting for.

You'll Learn How To:

• Use a simple four-step process (LMAO) to go from stuck to signed deal
• Get past "deal fog" and confidently evaluate opportunities
• Find funding using seller financing, SBA loans, and private lenders
• Build meaningful relationships that turn into real deals
• Stop waiting and start winning in 2026

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [0:00] Why most investors stay stuck—and how to avoid it
• [2:55] The "LMAO" framework to buy your first storage facility in 6 months
• [5:19] How to break free from consumption mode and actually start
• [7:39] The power of automation, systems, and running storage remotely
• [11:04] Why funding is not the problem—and how to find money for deals
• [13:26] Overcoming the fear of buying the wrong deal or making a mistake
• [15:44] Conversations → Conversions → Contracts → Cash: How deals happen
• [18:10] Why daily deal analysis and weekly offers are non-negotiable
• [22:49] The truth about the market, interest rates, and your limiting beliefs

Who This Episode Is For:

• Self-storage newbies frozen by information overload
• Aspiring investors struggling to take the next step
• People with "no money" who still want to get in the game
• Anyone ready to stop watching others and start building their own wealth

Why You Should Listen:

The only thing standing between you and your first storage deal is action—and clarity. This episode gives you both. If you're tired of sitting in the bleachers, it's time to grab a bat, get on the field, and start swinging. The game is winnable—and this is your playbook.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

What if you could buy millions in self-storage without using any of your own money? In this episode, I break down how I acquired over $5.1 million worth of storage facilities in just 17 months—with zero capital out of pocket. The secret? Understanding how to structure creative financing and building strong, trust-based relationships.

I walk you through three real-world case studies that showcase how I used a mix of SBA loans, seller financing, private lenders, and equity partners to close big deals. I also share exactly how I positioned these opportunities, structured the funding, and even got paid $250K to close on one of the facilities. This episode isn't theory—it's a blueprint for how you can get into storage without waiting on savings or perfect conditions.

You'll Learn How To:

• Buy storage facilities using SBA loans, seller financing, and private lenders
• Structure deals where everyone wins—including you, the seller, and your partners
• Find hidden equity and fund your deals without your own cash
• Build and nurture relationships that unlock funding when deals arise
• Overcome the "I need money to invest" mindset that keeps most people stuck

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [0:00] The biggest myth in storage investing—and why it's holding you back
• [2:55] Case Study #1: How I used SBA and an equity partner to buy a $1.59M facility
• [5:22] The step-by-step on securing 85% financing and raising the rest
• [7:43] Case Study #2: Seller financing 90% on a $2.1M deal—and how we filled the gap
• [10:01] Structuring private money for renovations and deal entry
• [12:19] Why seller financing works so well in storage—and how to pitch it
• [14:42] Case Study #3: How I got paid $250K to buy a storage facility with built-in equity
• [17:04] Creative funding options that most investors overlook
• [18:30] The mindset shift that unlocks capital—and how to build lender-ready relationships

Who This Episode Is For:

• Beginners who think storage is out of reach due to lack of capital
• Aspiring investors who want real, step-by-step strategies that work
• Experienced real estate pros exploring how to scale with storage
• Action takers ready to find and fund their first facility

Why You Should Listen:

Money is not your problem—lack of belief and strategy is. In this episode, I give you the confidence and real-life examples you need to see what's truly possible. If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the "right time" or more cash, this is your wake-up call. The capital is out there. This is how you go get it.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

What if you could buy not one, but two self-storage facilities without ever using a bank, and without prior experience? Sounds far-fetched, right? Casey did exactly that, and his story proves it's more possible than most people think.

In this episode of the Storage Wins Podcast, Alex Pardo sits down with Casey for a real, behind-the-scenes coaching call. Casey shares how he went from zero storage experience to owning two facilities in just six months, both bought through seller financing and both found simply by driving and paying attention. No fancy systems. No perfect timing. Just action, consistency, and the right support.

You'll Learn How To:

• Find storage deals just by driving and keeping your eyes open
• Buy facilities without using banks or traditional financing
• Approach mom-and-pop owners the right way
• Structure seller financing that actually works
• Take action even when you don't feel ready

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• (02:00) Why small towns can hide the best storage opportunities
• (05:00) Turning sellers into the bank with seller financing
• (08:00) Why ugly facilities can be great deals
• (11:00) Lessons learned from buying two facilities back-to-back
• (15:00) The mindset shift that made everything click

Who This Episode Is For:

• Beginners who think they need experience to get started
• Investors stuck waiting for the perfect deal
• Anyone curious how seller financing really works
• People who want proof that action beats overthinking

Why You Should Listen: If you've been telling yourself you're not ready, you don't know enough, or you need more money, this episode will challenge that story. Casey's journey shows what's possible when you take imperfect action and stay consistent. It's honest, relatable, and motivating in the best way.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Follow Casey here:

• Casey Twitter: https://x.com/Casey
• Casey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseyneistat/
• Casey YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@casey

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

Think you need tons of cash or a perfect credit score to invest in storage? Think again. In this episode, I share the real stories—and real numbers—of how I bought my first two self-storage facilities using zero dollars out of my own pocket. And I'm not alone. One of my coaching clients, Casey, followed the same roadmap and closed on two storage deals within nine months—both with seller financing and no money down.

I walk you through the exact steps I took to find the deals, fund them creatively, and build strong, cash-flowing assets without the headaches of tenants, toilets, and trash. Whether you're just starting out, feel stuck financially, or think this isn't possible for you, this episode is going to blow your mind and show you what's actually doable—even if you're brand new.

You'll Learn How To:

• Fund storage deals without using your own money
• Tap into seller financing, private lending, and SBA loans
• Identify and find mom-and-pop owned storage facilities with simple tools
• Build relationship capital that becomes your most valuable resource
• Scale without complexity using a proven, repeatable process

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [2:55] How I transitioned from burnt-out wholesaler to storage investor
• [5:17] Why storage beats single-family for cashflow and simplicity
• [7:41] Forced appreciation: how to increase value without waiting on comps
• [12:20] The power of lien laws vs. long eviction battles in single-family
• [14:42] Case study #1: My first $0-down deal with $350K raised through relationships
• [17:05] Case study #2: Seller financing 90% and doubling cashflow potential
• [19:24] Case study #3: 100% funded by private lenders, sold for a $700K profit
• [21:51] How to use Google Maps and direct mail to find off-market, mom-and-pop storage deals
• [26:37] The $150K deal from a letter a seller held onto for 2 years
• [29:04] Casey's story: two facilities in nine months, both 100% seller financed

Who This Episode Is For:

• Anyone who thinks they need cash or experience to get started
• Real estate investors looking for more time freedom and less stress
• Wholesalers and flippers tired of chasing deals every month
• Beginners ready to take action and buy their first facility

Why You Should Listen:

I've done it. Casey's done it. And you can too. This episode is your real-world proof that funding is not your problem—it's your belief. When you apply relationship capital, creative financing, and the right process, you can buy your first (or next) facility sooner than you think. This episode lays out the blueprint—now you just need to take action.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

Ever feel like you're doing everything right, looking at deals, talking to brokers, running numbers, yet still can't get one across the finish line? You're not alone. And in this episode, we get real about why that keeps happening. In Part 2 of this live coaching session, Alex Pardo works one-on-one with Eric Dumais to break down what's actually holding him back from closing his first self-storage deal. From being overwhelmed by deal flow to overanalyzing the wrong opportunities, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the exact problems most first-time buyers face, and how to fix them.

You'll Learn How To:

• Quickly filter deals without wasting hours underwriting
• Organize deal flow so nothing slips through the cracks
• Build real relationships with brokers and owners without faking experience
• Stop waiting for perfect and start making offers that get traction
• Create momentum by taking consistent, focused action

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• (05:00) How to filter deals in 5–10 minutes instead of 45
• (09:00) The simple red-yellow-green system for grading leads
• (14:00) Why relationships beat perfect underwriting
• (18:00) How often you should really be following up
• (22:00) The mindset shift that unlocks momentum
• (28:00) Eric's commitments, and how accountability changes everything

Who This Episode Is For:

• Investors stuck analyzing deals but not closing any
• First-time storage buyers feeling overwhelmed by too many options
• Anyone who knows what to do, but struggles with execution
• Action-takers who want clarity, structure, and accountability

Why You Should Listen:

If you've been chasing storage deals for months and can't figure out why nothing's clicking, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar, in the best way. You'll hear exactly how Alex helps Eric simplify his approach, focus on what actually matters, and commit to actions that move the needle. This is what progress sounds like.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

Have you been spinning your wheels trying to land your first storage deal—reading, underwriting, watching from the sidelines—but still no contract? If so, this live coaching episode is a must-listen. I sat down with Eric Dumais, a self-storage investor in the making, who's been chasing deals for eight months but can't seem to get across the finish line.

In part one of this two-part series, we dive deep into the real reason you're stuck—and spoiler: it's not the market, lack of deals, or money. It's mindset. I help Eric unpack what's keeping him stuck, the dangers of staying too close to home, and how the fear of the unknown is costing you time and opportunity. Whether you're like Eric, searching in your backyard, or you're overwhelmed by expanding your buy box, this episode is going to challenge your thinking and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

You'll Learn How To:

• Get out of analysis paralysis and take the next step in your journey
• Expand your buy box without feeling overwhelmed
• Identify the mental roadblocks that are really keeping you stuck
• Build meaningful relationships with mom-and-pop storage owners
• Move from passive research to active deal-making

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [1:00] The real reason you're stuck—and it's not lack of money or deals
• [4:15] Eric's background and his journey from beer brewing to self-storage
• [6:10] What financial freedom really means (and what it's actually costing you)
• [8:50] The hidden cost of staying in your comfort zone
• [11:48] The fear behind expanding your buy box—and how to overcome it
• [16:53] Why narrowing your focus too soon is slowing down your success
• [19:54] The power of boots on the ground and building real relationships
• [26:38] Why thinking long-term and relationally leads to deal flow

Who This Episode Is For:

Investors stuck in the "learning phase" but haven't closed a deal yet Anyone afraid to expand beyond their local market DIYers who overthink, over-plan, and under-execute People who are serious about buying their first facility in the next 6–12 months

Why You Should Listen:

If you've been chasing deals for months (or even years) and can't seem to break through, this episode is your wake-up call. Eric's story might be yours too—and by hearing his live coaching, you'll gain the mindset shifts and next steps you need to finally take action and get your first deal under contract.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

Ever look at a storage deal and think "I have no clue if this is actually a good deal or a financial disaster?" You're not alone. Most investors guess, cross their fingers, and hope they didn't just overpay by six figures.

In this special live coaching episode, Alex sits down with Brandon Rickman, a successful single-family investor making the jump into self-storage. You'll hear Alex analyze a real storage deal step by step, how to spot red flags, what the numbers actually mean, and how to know if a deal is worth pursuing or walking away from. This is as close as it gets to having Alex look over your shoulder while you analyze your own deal.

You'll Learn How To:

• Tell if a storage deal is worth a deeper look in under 10 minutes
• Quickly estimate what a facility is really worth
• Understand cap rates without the confusion
• Compare street rates to find hidden upside
• Avoid overpaying for a deal that looks good on paper

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [00:00] Why most investors overthink storage deals and still get them wrong
• [04:00] Brandon's jump from single-family into self-storage development
• [08:30] The one mistake that causes investors to overpay for storage facilities
• [12:45] How Alex quickly estimates a deal's value using simple math
• [18:00] Understanding cap rates without the confusion
• [23:30] How to compare market rates to uncover hidden upside
• [30:00] What makes a storage deal worth pursuing vs. walking away
• [38:00] Why buying on pro forma can destroy your returns
• [43:30] Why they're turning this into a two-part deep dive

Who This Episode Is For:

• Investors curious about getting into self-storage but unsure how to evaluate deals
• Single-family investors ready to transition into long-term cash-flow assets
• Anyone tired of guessing and wanting real clarity on deal analysis

Why You Should Listen: If you've ever felt overwhelmed by storage numbers, cap rates, or underwriting, this episode will give you clarity. You'll hear Alex break everything down in plain English using a real deal, real questions, and real coaching. No hype, just practical insight you can actually use on your next deal.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Follow Brandon Rickman here:

• Brandon Rickman Website:https://www.theflipgenius.com/
• Brandon Rickman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonRickman

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

Ready to buy your first storage facility but feeling overwhelmed with where to start? In this episode, I walk you through the exact seven-step roadmap we use inside the Storage Wins community to take you from stuck to signed deal in six to twelve months—even if you're starting from zero. No more second-guessing what to do next or what order to follow. I lay it all out for you. If you've been spinning your wheels wondering whether to chase deals, find funding, or figure out your market first, this episode is going to bring clarity. You'll learn how to define your buy box, choose the right market, build deal flow, fund your deal (without using your own money), and confidently make offers with a due diligence plan that sets you up for success. This is your blueprint to finally get that first storage facility under your belt in 2026.

You'll Learn How To:

• Create a clear vision with a custom buy box and freedom number
• Analyze the two markets that matter most in storage investing
• Build consistent deal flow using a simple and proven system
• Evaluate, fund, and structure deals using creative financing
• Execute a due diligence checklist that sets your first deal up for success
• Optimize your storage facility from day one for long-term cashflow

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [0:00] Why storage investing success starts with supply, demand, and direction
• [1:00] Why winging it doesn't work—and what successful students do instead
• [2:55] Step 1: Define your freedom number and build your buy box blueprint
• [5:12] Step 2: Use the 2-market method to analyze both people and property
• [9:58] Step 3: Build your deal flow machine using the LMAO method
• [14:32] Step 4: Analyze deals with simple back-of-the-napkin math
• [19:10] Step 5: Fund your deal with other people's money
• [21:31] Step 6: Make smart offers and conduct real due diligence
• [26:14] Step 7: Take over and optimize like a pro—even as a first-timer

Why You Should Listen: You don't need to "figure it all out." You just need the right system and support. This episode gives you the seven-step framework I've personally used—and that dozens of my clients have followed—to successfully buy their first facility. If 2026 is going to be your year, this is your launchpad.

Who This Episode Is For:

• Aspiring investors who want a clear, repeatable path to their first deal
• Anyone stuck in analysis paralysis and unsure of what to do next
• Storage beginners who want to avoid the biggest early mistakes
• People who value a roadmap, mentorship, and community support

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

Most beginners dramatically overestimate how much capital it takes, and that belief alone keeps them stuck. The truth is, the number you think you need is probably wrong, and the small deal you keep dismissing might be the one that transforms everything.

In this episode, Alex Pardo reveals the real amount of money you need to get started, why small facilities are the fastest path to freedom, and how investors inside his community consistently close deals with little to none of their own cash. He breaks down facility sizes, common beginner mistakes, creative financing structures, and the mindset shift that makes funding fall into place. You'll learn the framework for finding great opportunities, structuring terms, and getting the capital to show up.

You'll Learn How To:

• Find and analyze mom-and-pop storage opportunities with real value add
• Structure deals using seller financing, SBA loans, and equity partners
• Build trust with operators, lenders, and partners even as a beginner
• Use the LMAO method to generate leads
• Think like a transaction engineer so you can close with $0 out of pocket

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [00:00] How mindset and deal flow matter more than money
• [03:00] Why most beginners overestimate capital
• [06:00] The three types of storage facilities
• [09:00] How traditional bank financing works
• [12:00] Buying storage with zero out of pocket
• [14:00] How seller financing and equity partners make deals possible
• [16:00] The LMAO method for finding deals and making offers
• [18:00] Creative strategies that let you close with little to no capital
• [19:00] Why your first deal is the most important step toward freedom
• [20:00] How one great facility can change your entire financial trajectory

Who This Episode Is For:

• New investors who think they need huge capital to enter self-storage
• Action takers stuck in analysis paralysis who want a simple starting framework
• W2 employees looking for their first cash-flowing deal
• Anyone who wants to use creative financing to buy a facility

Why You Should Listen: Success in storage isn't about your bank account, it's about your ability to find great deals and structure them the right way. Learn how money follows deals, how beginners are closing facilities with none of their own cash, and how one small facility can be the deal that changes your life forever.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25
• Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo
• Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/

Have conversations with at least three to give storage owners, brokers, private lenders, and equity partners through the Storage Wins Facebook group. Join for free by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/