Storage Wins

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/

Are you stuck over-analyzing your first storage deal? Wondering whether to wait for the big 30,000+ sq ft opportunity or just pull the trigger on something smaller?

In this episode, Alex breaks down the real truth behind deal size, what actually matters, what doesn't, and how to figure out which type of facility fits you. Whether you're brand-new or already shopping for your next building, this framework will help you move faster, think clearly, and stop missing opportunities.

You'll Learn How To:

• Know if you should start with a small facility or swing bigger on deal one
• Underwrite a small deal without getting trapped by tiny margins
• Spot the hidden upside in mom-and-pop operations most buyers overlook
• Build confidence, credibility, and deal flow one win at a time
• Use momentum as fuel to scale instead of waiting for the perfect deal

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• [00:55] Why most new investors stall out deciding between small vs big deals
• [02:30] The 3-factor framework to pick your ideal first facility
• [05:45] Why small deals create confidence, cash flow, and momentum fast
• [07:15] The upside in mom-and-pop facilities and how to unlock it
• [10:40] Expense ratios, risk, and the one mistake rookies make most
• [14:20] The rule of thumb for underwriting small storage facilities
• [17:50] Real stories: how members used small wins to scale into bigger deals
• [25:10] When going big actually makes more sense
• [27:45] The Buy Box Blueprint that removes guesswork and saves months

Who This Episode Is For:

• New investors stuck in research mode and scared to make the wrong move
• Anyone debating deal size and unsure where to start
• Operators who want clarity, confidence, and forward motion
• Investors ready to stop watching others win, and start stacking their own

Why You Should Listen:

Because the wrong first deal isn't a small one or a big one, it's no deal at all.This episode gives you the clarity and framework to move, decide, and finally step into your first or next storage win. Whether your path starts small or launches big, the key is momentum, and today's episode shows you how to build 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/

Think you need thousands of dollars in your own pocket to buy a storage facility? Many investors pass on deals because they assume they can't afford them. The truth is, the right financing strategy can make almost any deal possible.

In this episode, Alex Pardo breaks down how to fund storage deals without using your own cash. He covers SBA loans, seller financing, private money, equity partners, and local banks. You'll learn the four factors that decide which funding strategy fits your deal, see real examples from Florida and Mississippi, and understand how to structure each deal to close with confidence.

You'll Learn How To:

• Pick the right financing strategy for your storage deals
• Negotiate seller financing, private money, and SBA options
• Build trust with lenders, equity partners, and banks
• Organize and present your lender package professionally

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [00:00] How to protect your reputation and impress lenders with trust
• [00:01] Why Storage Wins is your go-to guide for funding deals
• [00:04] The secret to matching the right financing to your deal
• [00:06] How four key factors determine your best funding strategy
• [00:08] Why SBA financing can work for beginners and value-add deals
• [00:12] How to negotiate seller financing for flexibility and cash flow
• [00:16] Using private money for speed, relationships, and gap funding
• [00:21] How equity partners reduce risk and boost credibility
• [00:23] The benefits of local and small banks for community deals
• [00:24] When bridge financing makes sense for urgent or short-term deals
• [00:25] How to organize your lender package and present professionally
• [00:27] Why professionalism and communication can beat experience
• [00:28] How to take action and apply what you learned

Who This Episode Is For:

• First-time storage investors looking to fund their first deal
• Experienced buyers unsure how to structure financing for value-add deals
• Anyone wanting to leverage SBA, private money, or seller financing
• Investors aiming to build credibility and strong lender relationships

Why You Should Listen:

Success in storage investing isn't about money. Learn how to structure deals creatively, leverage lenders and partners, and use the right strategy to fund and close your first storage facility.

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/

Think you need your own money to buy a storage facility? Think again. In this episode, I'm sharing how I've funded every single one of my storage deals without ever using a dime of my own cash. Whether you're new to the game or ready to scale, this episode gives you the exact financing strategies, mindset shifts, and practical steps to start taking action now—even if your bank account says otherwise. I'm breaking down multiple creative funding methods, from SBA loans and seller financing to private lenders and equity partners. You'll also hear how to position yourself to lenders with confidence (even if you're a beginner), and the common mistakes to avoid when presenting your deal. If money has been your #1 excuse, it's time to delete that thought—because this episode is your playbook for making storage investing possible right now.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [1:47] The mindset shift that helps you attract the money you need
• [3:02] Why storage is one of the easiest assets to finance
• [6:26] Key funding metrics explained: NOI, DSCR & more
• [10:21] Case study: how I raised $350K for my first deal through relationships
• [12:52] 6 funding strategies to buy storage with none of your own money
• [19:00] How to build a lender-ready financial package that impresses
• [23:56] Mistakes to avoid with banks, lenders, and partners

You'll Learn How To:

• Fund storage deals using SBA loans, seller financing, private money, and equity partners
• Present yourself like a pro to lenders (even as a first-timer)
• Build relationships and structure win-win deals that sellers and lenders love
• Get organized and pitch with confidence using a lender-ready package
• Avoid the top mistakes that can sabotage your funding

Who This Episode Is For:

• New investors who think they need savings to get started
• Anyone intimidated by talking to banks or lenders
• Action takers ready to find deals and let the funding follow
• Storage Wins members looking to apply what they've learned in the real world

Why You Should Listen: The #1 reason most people never buy their first storage facility is because they believe they need their own money. I'm here to prove that's simply not true. This episode arms you with the tools, language, and confidence to get funding for your first (or next) deal—even if you're starting from zero. Trust me, the money is out there. You just need to know how to access 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/

Are you grinding every day but still not getting any closer to your next storage deal? Most investors don't fail because they're lazy, they fail because they spend their time on the wrong things. In this episode, Alex Pardo breaks down the exact busy work that keeps new and experienced investors stuck, and the surprisingly simple actions that actually get deals done.

In this episode, Alex pulls real questions from the Storage Wins private community and shows you how to cut through distractions, focus on revenue-generating activity, and finally start making traction. If you've been hiding behind spreadsheets, systems, and getting ready, this is the wake-up call you need.

You'll Learn How To:

• Focus your time on activities that actually get you deals
• Use cold calling the right way and why Saturdays are a secret weapon
• Ask owners the only two numbers you need to underwrite any facility
• Follow up like a pro, so you never lose a deal that should've been yours
• Simplify your process so you stop hiding behind CRMs and start taking action

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [00:00] The truth about busy wor" and why it kills momentum
• [01:00] The cold-calling schedule that separates you from your competition
• [04:00] The two pieces of info you need to underwrite any deal
• [08:00] Why follow-up is the real reason deals get done
• [12:00] How to stop hiding behind CRMs and start doing the real work
• [20:00] The mindset shift that helps you finally buy your first or next facility

Who This Episode Is For:

• New investors trying to get their first facility but feeling stuck
• Operators who feel busy every day but aren't seeing real progress
• Anyone overwhelmed with systems and information instead of action

Why You Should Listen:

If you've been spinning your wheels, this episode will show you exactly where your time is leaking, and how to fix it today. You'll walk away knowing what actually moves the needle in storage, how to simplify your process, and how to create real momentum instead of false productivity. This is the clarity most investors never get, and the reason many never buy a single facility.

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 I told you there's a way to make serious money in storage investing before you ever own a facility? In this episode, Alex is pulling back the curtain on what he calls the "hidden cash machine" inside almost every good storage deal—an overlooked opportunity most investors completely miss. Alex will walk you through exactly how he generated six-figure paydays without owning or operating a single storage unit—and how members of Storage Wins community are doing the same. Whether you're looking to fund your first deal, build cash fast, or learn how to wholesale the right way, this episode is packed with real examples, the 5-step process, and tips to avoid common landmines that can kill your credibility. If you're ready to stop leaving money on the table, this one's a must-listen.

You'll Learn How To:

• Unlock cash flow from storage without owning a facility
• Wholesale ethically and profitably—even on your first deal
• Use a simple 5-step process to turn opportunities into income
• Build the right relationships to scale faster
• Avoid costly mistakes that hurt your reputation

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [0:00] Why thinking long-term and relationally is key in storage deals
• [1:00] How I made $150K on a storage deal without owning a facility
• [3:00] The "hidden cash machine" strategy explained step-by-step
• [6:40] 5-step process to wholesale storage deals the right way
• [10:00] 6 buyer channels to connect with ready-to-buy investors
• [14:30] Landmines to avoid: hiding your intent, weak buyers, and bad deal packages
• [20:00] Why progress beats perfection in your first deal
• [22:00] Real success stories from the Storage Wins community

Who This Episode Is For:

• Aspiring storage investors who want to get started with low risk
• Action takers looking to build cash reserves or fund their first deal
• Real estate pros curious about wholesaling storage
• Community-minded people ready to collaborate, not compete

Why You Should Listen: Storage investing isn't just about owning buildings—it's about solving problems and creating value. This episode shows you how to generate fast cash, build your network, and tap into a powerful strategy that can jumpstart your journey. Whether you're wholesaling, buying, or partnering, these are the skills that build long-term wealth.

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 the secret to massive success in self-storage, and in life, has nothing to do with strategy and everything to do with heart?

In this episode, Alex sits down with Leon Barnes, one of the most connected and respected leaders in real estate, to unpack the mindset, habits, and heart that fueled his incredible journey, from leaving corporate America to building wealth through real estate. Leon reveals how he balances faith, family, and freedom while leading at the highest level inside Collective Genius.

You'll Learn How To:

• Find clarity in your purpose, and why it's bigger than money
• Build wealth while working a full-time job or running another business
• Avoid burnout by aligning your work with what truly matters
• Surround yourself with a winning community that elevates your results
• Create long-term success through service, focus, and consistency

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• [03:10] The moment Leon left corporate America for real estate freedom • [07:45] How purpose, not time management, drives real success • [10:55] The truth about happiness, faith, and fulfillment in business • [18:10] The three traits every top performer shares • [28:00] The power of community and why takers always lose • [34:45] How one relationship can change everything in your business

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs balancing business, career, and family
• Investors ready to move from "busy" to focused and fulfilled
• Anyone craving real conversations about faith, purpose, and success

Why You Should Listen: If you've ever wondered how some people build thriving businesses and live with deep purpose, this episode gives you the blueprint. Leon's journey will challenge you to think bigger, give more, and surround yourself with people who call you to a higher level—because success always starts with who you're becoming.

Follow Leon Barnes here:

• The Collective Genius Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-collective-genius-podcast/id1803873337
• The Collective Genius Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uQDSgFIaXUIwqVRijDnjr
• Leon Barnes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leongbarnes/
• Leons Barnes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lgoner

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/