Did you know that you can close your first self-storage facility with zero dollars in your bank account and zero experience in real estate? No rich uncle, no inheritance, no business partner with deep pockets... just her and a strategy that completely destroys the biggest lie in this industry!

In this episode of the Storage Wins Podcast, Alex Pardo breaks down the exact steps she took, the financing she used, and how she turned her biggest weakness into her greatest advantage. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines thinking self-storage is out of reach, this episode will show you it’s not only possible, it is within your grasp.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Break free from the belief that money or experience is required to start
• Turn your biggest weakness into your greatest advantage in the self-storage investing journey
• Use the BDCA formula (Believe, Decide, Commit, Act) to stay on track
• Apply the LMAO method (List building, Meaningful conversations, Analyzing deals, Offers)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:52) Why belief systems hold most people back (02:32) The fears and doubts that stop new investors before they start (03:14) The power of community, accountability, and a strong “why” (04:04) Get clear about the desired end goal (04:51) Why you don’t need all the answers to get started (05:53) The LMAO framework for consistent deal flow (08:08) How this client found her first deal inside the community (08:57) Funding 30% of the deal without her own money (10:12) The due diligence process she went through (11:40) Humans have meaning-making machines

Who This Episode Is For:

• New investors who think they are not qualified to start in self-storage
• W-2 employees or small business owners looking for passive income
• Anyone who wants to build wealth and freedom without starting from scratch
• Entrepreneurs who feel stuck waiting for the perfect time to begin

Why You Should Listen:

This is proof that you don’t need decades of experience or piles of cash to get started in storage. If you have ever told yourself, “I’m not ready yet,” this episode will change that mindset.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Aex 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/ 

 

A lot of people are wondering: “Did I miss the boat on self-storage? Is it too saturated?” The short answer? No. In fact, right now may be the right opportunity to start!

In this episode of the Storage Wins Podcast, Alex Pardo unpacks the truth behind the “saturation myth,” why the best deals are hiding in plain sight, and the single biggest danger that wipes out most would-be investors. If you have been second-guessing yourself or thinking storage is “too late,” this episode will give you the clarity and the confidence to move forward.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Reframe the “saturated” storage myth and see where the real opportunities are
• Spot the difference between REIT deals and investor-friendly markets
• Find and locate mom and pop operators that most people overlook
• Apply key market filters to identify strong storage markets

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(00:56) Why storage right now is the opportunity of a lifetime

(03:09) FOMO is often misleading

(03:59) Where REITs play and why you shouldn’t follow them

(05:06) The real opportunity isn't found where everyone else is looking

(06:13) Storage is a recession-resilient business

(06:49) The self-storage industry is still fragmented

(07:43) Opportunity for value-add deals

(09:48) Case study: Mario’s first deal and how community accelerated his success

(11:57) The real danger is your hesitation and excuses

(13:38) Key components and elements of a strong storage market

(15:53) Why community and accountability shortcut your journey

Who This Episode Is For:

• W-2 employees who have never done a deal before but want to start
• Burned-out wholesalers, flippers, and investors who want more out of their business
• New investors worried they are “too late” to start in self-storage
• Entrepreneurs searching for cash flow and long-term wealth

Why You Should Listen:

If you have been paralyzed by fear of missing out, this episode is your wake-up call. Storage isn’t “done.” It’s just beginning, and the best deals are within your reach. Alex Pardo shows you where to look, what traps to avoid, and how to take action before hesitation costs you everything.

 

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Aex 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/

Get access to Alex's storage buy box template, 100% free by visiting storagewins.com/storageavatar 

Mario Quintero almost walked away from self-storage before he ever closed a deal. Doubts, setbacks, and the pressure to quit nearly drove him to quit. But instead of giving up, he stayed the course, and it led him to his very first storage facility.

In this episode of Storage Wins, Mario opens up about his journey from skepticism to success. He shares the tough moments that almost broke him, the mindset shifts that kept him moving forward, and the lessons he learned along the way. If you have ever felt like quitting before your breakthrough, Mario’s story proves why persistence pays off.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Overcome the fear and uncertainty every new investor faces
• Stay committed even when deals fall apart
• Use coaching and mentorship to stay accountable
• Keep faith in the process until your first deal closes
• Build momentum and confidence after your first win

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(04:16) Mario’s background and how he discovered self-storage (06:58) Building the confidence to take the leap (08:26) Moving forward despite uncertainty (11:12) Breaking points, setbacks, and emotions that made him want to quit (14:14) Why comfort and complacency kill dreams (15:36) The mindset shift that helped him push through fear (17:07) How relationships and community kept him accountable (19:43) Why Mario stepped away from the storage community and came back (22:51) How his first deal gave him clarity and confidence (24:11) Overcoming time objections (26:38) Identifying non-negotiables in your weekly activity (30:27) The role of his wife’s support in his journey (34:35) The biggest lesson learned from the deal process (37:33) Why progress creates momentum and momentum creates wins (38:20) From due diligence to funding and closing the deal (44:15) How to upgrade a facility, add equity, and raise rents (46:34) Mario’s advice for anyone close to giving up

Who This Episode is For:

• W-2 professionals and business owners who want to get into self-storage
• New investors who are struggling to close their first deal
• Entrepreneurs who feel discouraged and ready to quit
• Anyone curious about what it takes to succeed in storage

Why You Should Listen:

Mario’s journey is proof that success often follows the hardest moments. If you are battling fear, doubt, or frustration, his story will give you the perspective and motivation to keep going. Your first deal might be closer than you think, and it could change everything.

 

Connect with Mario Quintero:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marioquintero121 

 

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Aex 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/  

Think you need a mountain of cash to buy your first storage facility? Think again.

In this episode, Alex Pardo breaks down how he acquired over $5.1 million worth of self-storage without using a single dollar of his own money.

You will learn the real strategies behind SBA financing, seller carryback deals, private money partnerships, and even how he got paid $250K just to buy a facility. This episode gives you the blueprint to find, fund, and close deals without draining your bank account. Listen and enjoy!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Find a deal and structure the financing to give you the confidence
• Acquire storage facilities without using your own money
• Leverage SBA loans, seller financing, and private capital creatively
• Build trust with people to get a good financing deal
• Spot and structure win-win deals for all parties

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:17) The #1 limiting belief keeping people out of storage investing (02:10) Case Study #1: 43,000 sq ft in Mississippi using SBA + equity partner (04:02) Self-storage is a business with the benefits of real estate (07:22) Case Study #2: 24,000 sq ft in Florida with 90% seller financing (10:17) Turning the seller into the bank (11:38) A win-win deal for all parties (12:38) Case Study #3: How Alex got paid $250K to buy a facility (14:02) Building instant equity by buying below market value (15:33) The winning formula to buy a self-storage facility without using your own money (16:05) Funding sources beyond banks: Credit unions, community lenders, and more (17:29) Money is abundant if you find the right deal (18:17) The mindset + commitment formula for long-term success

Who This Episode is For:

• New and aspiring storage investors who think they need big capital to start
• Real estate pros looking to transition into self-storage
• Entrepreneurs who want to build cash-flowing assets without heavy upfront costs
• Anyone curious about creative deal structuring in commercial real estate

Why You Should Listen:

If lack of funds is the only thing holding you back from getting into self-storage, this episode will break your belief. It is possible, and Alex proves it with real deals, exact financing structures, and actionable steps you can take today.

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/
• Aex 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/

 

Book a free strategy call to find and fund your deals. Visit Storage Wins Coaching Community.

When it comes to finding a storage deal, there are two types of people: those who chase everything, and those who know exactly what they’re after.

The problem? Most people fall into the first category: burning time, energy, and resources on deals that never really fit their goals.

In this episode of Storage Wins Podcast, Alex Pardo shares the simple but powerful checklist he uses to get crystal-clear on exactly which storage deals are worth pursuing. This framework takes the guesswork out of the search process so you can focus only on the opportunities that align with your market, resources, and goals.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Get absolute clarity on the type of facilities you want to target
• Choose locations that truly fit your market strategy
• Evaluate your situation, goals, and what you are trying to accomplish in storage
• Break free from the limiting belief that price should drive your decision
• Analyze deals based on the gap between in-place and potential revenue

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• (01:28) The checklist that completely changed the game for Alex in self-storage
• (02:02) Storage deal avatar to evaluate deals
• (03:15) Why you should reach out to mom-and-pop owners
• (04:21) Defining your primary, secondary, and tertiary markets
• (05:36) Types of markets you should avoid
• (08:42) The ideal market: high demand with low supply
• (10:20) TrackedIQ - A tool to calculate the supply and demand in an area
• (12:52) The only way for you to fail is if you quit
• (14:40) Evaluating your situation and goals before you buy
• (16:10) Understanding CapEx in storage
• (17:10) The ability of a storage market to expand
• (21:29) Why filtering based on price is a mistake
• (22:36) What “value add” really means
• (24:16) Measuring the gap between in-place and potential revenue
• (27:38) The power of having clarity and a document in buying a deal
• (29:19) [Bonus] Markets to avoid: high crime, declining populations, overbuilt areas

Who This Episode is For:

• Entrepreneurs who are struggling to pick the right market for their storage business
• W-2 employees who are ready to replace their income with cash flow
• Real estate investors who are burnt out from chasing bad deals
• Anyone starting in self-storage who needs a clear starting point

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve been spinning your wheels chasing every storage deal that pops up or worse, letting “analysis paralysis” keep you stuck, this episode will change the way you search forever. Alex Pardo hands you a clear, proven checklist to pinpoint exactly which facilities fit your goals, market, and resources. No more guessing. No more chasing deals that drain your time and energy.

 

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ 
• Aex 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/ 

What if the real reason you're not growing isn't a lack of information but a lack of purpose?

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo tackles a question he’s been asked more than once: “If storage is so great… why share it?” He revealed the real reasons that truly drive this business and how it can fund your passion. He explained why giving back creates more growth than hoarding information ever could, and how helping others win can make you a sharper, better investor. Listen and enjoy!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Build a business that funds your purpose, not replaces it
• Turn your experience into impact and income
• Avoid the trap of hoarding knowledge and playing small
• Use community and coaching to sharpen your skills
• Multiply your gifts by teaching, mentoring, and giving

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(00:56) The question that sparked this entire episode

(02:50) What storage allows you to do

(03:21) You don’t have to love storage; you have to love what it gives you

(04:47) Your business should fund your passion

(05:45) Why seeing students win fires him up more than his deals

(07:31) Real transformation happens when you surround yourself with the right people in the right community

(08:23) How to be world-class at something?

(09:12) Coaching doesn’t distract from the business; it makes it better

(10:23) Look at people as collaborative partners, not as competition

(10:59) The laws of reciprocation

(12:25) If you're waiting for the “perfect time”… stop. It's now

Who This Episode is For:

• Investors who are looking for more purpose in their business
• Operators who want to grow by giving
• Burned-out entrepreneurs wondering if passion matters
• Anyone wondering if coaching and sharing will “distract” from their core business

Why You Should Listen:

You don’t need to choose between success and service. The more you share, the more you grow. This episode is a masterclass in abundance, stewardship, and building a business that matters, not just one that makes a profit.

 

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ 
• Aex 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/ 

Burned out from flipping or wholesaling? Tired of chasing deals every month and feeling like your business owns you instead of the other way around? You are not alone, and there’s a smarter path forward.

In this episode of the Storage Wins Podcast, Alex Pardo shared the 10 reasons to go all in with self-storage and why it is often overlooked as the best asset class in real estate. Listen and enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Take actions and make decisions on what path to take in real estate investing with clarity
• See storage as a real business and not another job
• Avoid the “4 T’s” that drain most landlords (tenants, toilets, trauma, trash)
• Use forced appreciation to instantly increase facility value
• Scale revenue without scaling headaches

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(02:14) The Cheesecake Factory menu problem and how it applies to real estate

(03:43) When there are so many options, people tend to get paralyzed

(05:08) Why self-storage beats other asset classes for freedom and scalability

(05:17) Top 10 Reasons Why Choose Self-Storage Over Other Asset Classes:

(06:16) Reason #10 – Storage is a real business, it's not another job

(08:06) Reason #9 – It’s easier to operate than you think

(08:33) The 4Ts that drain most landlords

(09:57) Reason #8 – Customers stay for a long time

(11:38) The lean laws in self-storage

(12:10) Reason #7 – Lowest default rate in commercial real estate

(13:15) Reason #6 – Recession-resistant and boom-proof

(15:10) Reason #5 – Healthy, high profit margins

(16:52) Reason #4 – Forced appreciation like a boss

(18:01) Reason #3 – Low competition, high opportunity

(19:27) Reason #2 – Scale without scaling chaos

(21:00) Reason #1 – Storage can give you your life back

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate investors who feel like they are on a hamster wheel, chasing deals every month
• Investors who are burned out from flipping or wholesaling houses
• Entrepreneurs who look successful to others but feel frustrated behind the scenes
• Anyone who wants more time freedom without sacrificing income

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re ready to stop grinding and start owning a business that works for you, this episode provides the clarity, confidence, and roadmap to see why self-storage isn’t just another investment. It’s a game-changer!

 

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ 
• Aex 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/ 

What if the business you worked so hard to build ends up taking more from you than it gives?

In today's episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo shares the vulnerable story behind why he walked away from a seven-figure wholesaling operation and how that decision opened the door to a life and business that finally felt right.

If you have ever hit a wall in your business or questioned the path you are on, this one’s for you. This is the episode where we stop pretending everything’s fine and start talking about what works. We will get to focus on an asset class that truly gives you financial freedom, time freedom, and choices and options. Listen and enjoy!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Recognize when your business model no longer aligns with your vision
• Get out of the giant hamster wheel and a business that feels like a prison
• Transition out of high-stress real estate to freedom from all the traditional headaches of real estate
• Align your business with the lifestyle you want

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(03:02) The morning everything shifted

(03:44) The life-changing moment for Alex at the Collective Genius Mastermind

(04:34) What if your business is no longer aligned with your vision?

(05:40) Getting out on a giant hamster wheel

(07:06) What to do when you have built a business that you no longer want to be in?

(09:15) The conversation in Guatemala that sparked a new direction

(11:58) Chasing money and deals, but it feels like it wasn't enough

(13:56) Why cash flow was the goal and wholesaling wasn’t delivering

(16:28) Figuring out an exit plan

(17:55) Rentals weren’t the answer either

(19:05) COVID, chaos, and the unexpected opportunity to reset

(23:23) Skills acquired as an investor, wholesaler, or flipper translate over into storage

(27:12) Storage business aligned with Alex's vision

(29:10) Tactical knowledge and information about storage with Storage Wins

Who This Episode is For:

• Investors who feel trapped by the very business they built
• Wholesalers chasing income but craving freedom
• Entrepreneurs who are tired of reinventing the wheel and are ready for a real shift
• W2 employees who are unsure of their next move

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this really it?”, this episode is proof that there’s another way. Alex doesn’t sugarcoat the journey, but he does show you what is possible when you realign, rebuild, and commit to something that actually works.

 

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ 
• Aex 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/ 

What if the fastest path to true financial freedom isn't flipping more houses, grinding in a business that owns you, or endless hours chasing leads?

In this kickoff episode of Storage Wins, host Alex Pardo shares why self-storage is the smartest way to build cash flow with less chaos. After leaving a corporate job, building a seven-figure wholesaling business, and still hitting burnout, Alex discovered self-storage, and everything changed.

Let's talk about ways to reclaim your time and finally build a business that works for you. Listen and enjoy!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Escape the grind without sacrificing income
• Build wealth without managing dozens of doors
• Start a storage business even if you’ve never done a deal
• Use systems, simplicity, and strategy to scale sustainably
• Buy your first facility without a million in the bank

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(00:10) Why flipping more houses isn’t the answer

(00:34) What it means to build a business that works for you

(01:19) From wholesaling burnout to discovering a better model

(02:24) How one right facility can unlock freedom

(03:24) Self-storage is built for people who want true freedom

(04:22) A smarter, simpler way to build wealth

(05:05) What it takes to buy your first deal

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate investors who are sick and tired of trading time for money
• Burned-out investors who are ready to build a business that creates real freedom
• W2 employees who want out but don’t know how
• Entrepreneurs who are tired of the grind and chaos

Why You Should Listen:

You don’t need dozens of properties or years of hustle. You just need one good deal and the belief that freedom is closer than you think. This episode is your starting line.

 

Follow Alex Pardo here:

• Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ 
• Aex 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/ 

After 809 episodes and nearly a decade of showing up every week, The Flip Empire Show is coming to a close—but this is not the end. It’s the beginning of something bigger. In this heartfelt farewell episode, Alex Pardo reflects on the journey of building a podcast from scratch, why he's rebranding the show into The Storage Wins Podcast, what this transition means for you, and how he’s designing an entirely new season-based format to help you buy your first storage facility, build wealth, and live free. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just joined, this episode is both a thank-you and a launchpad for the next chapter.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Why Episode 809 marks the final chapter of The Flip Empire Show
• The personal and professional transformation that led Alex to self-storage
• How storage helped Alex escape the hustle of transactional real estate
• How to stay connected through the transition
• Seasonal format: Why it’s different and what’s coming next

 

TWEETABLES

• "This isn't a goodbye. In fact, in many ways, it's a rebirth. It's the relaunch of something that I think is going to be much, much bigger." - Alex Pardo 

 

ASCEND

Don’t Wait To Enjoy Your Life, Tomorrow, Live It Today!

How To Grow Your Business, Expand Your Impact, and Experience Your Perfect Life:

 

🔊 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE FLIP EMPIRE SHOW (PODCAST) on Apple Podcasts ▶︎ https://www.flipempire.com/podcast

 

📺 SUBSCRIBE TO ALEX PARDO’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW ▶︎ https://www.youtube.com/alexpardo

🚀 How To Grow Your Business, Expand Your Impact, and Experience Your Perfect Life Don’t Wait To Enjoy Your Life Tomorrow, Live It Today ▶︎ https://www.AscendYourSuccess.com/

 

FOLLOW ALEX ON:

 

• ★ INSTAGRAM → http://instagram.com/alexpardo25
• ★ FACEBOOK → https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15
• ★ LINKEDIN → https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pardo
• ★ YOUTUBE → https://www.youtube.com/alexpardo
• ★ TIKTOK → https://www.tiktok.com/@alexpardo25 
• ★ FACEBOOK GROUP → https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/ 

 

ASK ALEX A QUESTION:

Have a question you want to feature in an upcoming Flip Empire Show?

Head over to the Ask Alex page and record your question. We’ve made it super easy for you, so let us know what challenges you are having, and Alex will answer them personally!