What makes self-storage a recession-proof investment? Self-storage has become one of the most resilient and lucrative asset classes in real estate. But what makes it so unique? In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Joe Downs to uncover the strategies behind self-storage investing, pricing models, and why major players manipulate the market. They also discuss how generational shifts impact demand, the role of technology in facility security, and what investors need to know before entering the space. If you’ve ever wondered whether self-storage is a good investment or how pricing structures actually work, this conversation breaks it all down.

[00:01 - 04:00] The Psychology of Learning in Real Estate

• Learning new asset classes is about stacking knowledge, not starting from scratch
• Self-storage shares 80% of the fundamentals with multifamily real estate
• The real challenge is understanding industry-specific terminology and operations

[04:01 - 08:23] How Big Players Dominate the Market

• Large storage companies manipulate pricing with steep discounts, then raise rates drastically
• Their strategy forces smaller operators to lower rates, affecting competition
• Customers are often unaware of price hikes due to auto-pay and infrequent visits

[08:24 - 13:49] Generational Shifts & The Growing Demand for Storage

• Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to use storage than previous generations
• Smaller living spaces and lifestyle preferences increase storage reliance
• Self-storage thrives in both economic booms and downturns, making it recession-resistant

[13:50 - 18:05] Security, Technology, and Preventing Theft

• Modern storage facilities use Bluetooth access to track individual entries
• Upgraded lighting, fencing, and AI security reduce crime rates
• Remote monitoring allows facility owners to manage security from anywhere

[18:06 - 23:56] Expansion vs. Optimization: How Investors Maximize Profits

• Value in self-storage investing comes from expansion or improving operations
• Some properties hold potential for future development based on market demand
• Strategic pricing adjustments and marketing drive higher occupancy rates

Key Quotes:

"Self-storage is a sticky business—just like a gym membership, there’s never a good time to cancel." — Joe Downs

"Millennials aren’t minimalists—they just live in smaller spaces but still want all the same stuff." — Joe Downs

Connect with Joe:

Website: https://www.belrosestoragegroup.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/

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What if your next investment move was hiding in plain sight? When Joe Downs received an unexpected email about self-storage investing, he had no idea it would completely change his business trajectory. From buying distressed second mortgages to building a thriving self-storage empire, Joe shares his journey of pivoting during tough times, navigating industry shifts, and uncovering hidden opportunities in real estate. He breaks down why self-storage is one of the most overlooked yet lucrative asset classes, how technology is reshaping the industry, and why now is the best time to invest.

[00:01 – 05:26] Behind the Scenes of the Debt Market

• Why banks are cautious about selling loans and how it affects investors
• The CFPB’s role in changing the debt-buying landscape
• How Joe navigated a three-year period with no new loan acquisitions

[05:27 – 10:48] The Unexpected Path to Self-Storage

• How a simple email introduced Joe to self-storage investing
• Why self-storage was an overlooked niche in commercial real estate
• The surprising similarities between distressed second mortgages and storage facilities

[10:49 – 15:31] Mom & Pop-Owned Storage: The Hidden Goldmine

• How 70%+ of self-storage facilities are still owned by small investors
• The common mistakes these owners make and how investors can capitalize
• The role of technology in transforming storage facility operations

[15:32 – 20:19] Why Self-Storage is a Smart Investment Today

• Why the current market correction presents a buying opportunity
• How aging storage owners are creating a wave of motivated sellers
• The power of SBA loans in making storage investing accessible

[20:20 – 25:13] The Future of Storage & Real Estate Investing

• The technology driving the next generation of storage facilities
• Why monthly pricing models give storage an edge over multifamily investing
• Lessons learned from navigating economic cycles in real estate

Key Quotes:

"When I saw that over 70% of storage facilities were still owned by mom-and-pop operators, I knew there was an opportunity." – Joe Downs

"Self-storage isn’t the future – it’s happening now. And the biggest players don’t even see it yet." – Joe Downs

 Connect with Joe:

Website: https://www.belrosestoragegroup.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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What if every setback in your career was a setup for something greater?

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel welcomes Joe Downs, CEO of Belrose Storage Group, for a deep dive into self-storage investing. Joe shares his winding journey from financial advisor to entrepreneur, real estate investor, and distressed debt expert. He reveals how failures—like losing a bar business—became stepping stones to success, the power of persistence in wholesaling, and why self-storage is one of the most lucrative real estate niches today.

[00:01 - 04:13] The Wake-Up Call: From Finance to Real Estate

• A career in financial advising wasn’t fulfilling, prompting Joe to seek new opportunities
• 9/11 provided a moment of reflection, making him question his long-term career path
• Seeing the wealthiest people Joe knew thriving in real estate inspired his pivot

[04:14 - 08:25] Lessons from Failure: The Bar Business & Beyond

• Entrepreneurship comes with risks—Joe’s first major business, a bar, failed
• Instead of quitting, Joe saw it as an expensive but valuable education in business
• What led Joe to real estate investing, where he started with wholesaling

[08:26 - 12:57] Mastering Real Estate Investing & Raising Capital

• Joe transitioned into raising millions for large multifamily and office deals
• The importance of networking and relationship-building in real estate
• 1031 exchanges became a key tool in his real estate investment strategy

[12:58 - 16:07] The 2008 Crisis & the Move into Distressed Debt

• The mortgage meltdown changed the game, forcing Joe to pivot again
• An opportunity in distressed debt, buying non-performing second mortgages
• His experience in capital raising and risk management made this transition successful

[16:08 - 20:57] Why Self-Storage? The Final Pivot to Success

• Self-storage investing combines low risk with high cash flow potential
• How relationships and creative financing helped him break into this market
• Every challenge Joe faced in the past contributed to his expertise in this niche

Key Quotes:

“You’re not losing—you’re learning. Every business challenge is another lesson that prepares you for the next opportunity.” - Joe Downs

“If you want to succeed in real estate, you need relationships. No matter your personality type, building connections is key.” - Joe Downs

Connect with Joe:

Website: https://www.belrosestoragegroup.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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What if the key to successful marketing isn't just about systems and strategies, but about being the person others naturally turn to for help?

In this enlightening conversation with Julia Anderson, listeners dive deep into the human side of marketing and client relationships. Julia shares valuable insights about matching clients with CMOs, the importance of systematizing successful practices, and how genuine helpfulness becomes a powerful marketing strategy. The discussion reveals how authentic relationships and consistent presence can trump traditional affiliate programs, while also exploring the evolution of marketing approaches as businesses mature.

[00:01 - 05:16] The Art of Perfect Matches

• The client-matching process reflects a deep understanding of individual needs
• Experience and professionalism help navigate challenging client relationships
• Systematic approaches can enhance already successful practices

[05:17 -10:23] Beyond Digital Funnels

• Traditional funnels can start with face-to-face connections
• The importance of having systems to maintain relationships
• How AI and data collection could revolutionize understanding client needs

[10:24 - 14:54] Content Creation Strategy

• Converting real-world problems into valuable content
• The power of repurposing content in different formats
• Building relationships beyond affiliate programs

[14:55 - 18:09] The Evolution of Marketing Relationships

• Shifting from affiliate programs to meaningful connections
• The value of being a helpful resource in your industry
• The impact of authentic assistance over monetary exchanges

[18:10 - 22:13] Building Consistent Connections

• The power of showing up consistently for your community
• Vulnerability as a relationship-building tool
• The importance of making yourself accessible to your audience

Key Quotes:

"Your candle doesn't go out if you light another one." - Julia Anderson

"Being vulnerable and expressing that everyone is going through the same stuff... that is a common ground to build a relationship and friendship upon." - Julia Anderson

Connect with Julia:

Website: https://capitalmarketingofficers.com /

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonjulia/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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Retail giants and digital platforms use subtle strategies to shape customer behavior, maximizing time spent in stores and online. In this episode, Angel and Julia Anderson dive into the psychology behind these tactics, discussing everything from store layouts to marketing funnels. They explore how understanding consumer behavior can transform business strategies and personal decision-making.

[00:01 - 04:30] The Hidden Power of Store Layouts

• Retailers use strategic layouts to keep customers in stores longer
• Even minor adjustments can significantly impact annual revenue
• The frustration of changing store layouts is often a deliberate marketing tactic

[04:31 - 08:17] Target Audience vs. Avatar: What Really Matters?

• Defining a broad target audience versus a highly specific avatar
• The common link among customers is often the problem they need solved
• Understanding customer motivations leads to better marketing strategies

[08:18 - 13:22] The Power of Problem-Solving in Marketing

• Successful businesses position themselves as solutions to customer pain points
• Many people delay seeking help, assuming they can figure things out alone
• The moment they recognize the need for an expert, transformation begins

[13:23 - 18:44] Who, Not How: The Secret to Scaling a Business

• Delegation is crucial for business growth and efficiency
• Entrepreneurs often slow themselves down by trying to do everything alone
• Investing in the right team accelerates success while saving time and money

[18:45 - 22:32] Managing Ideas and Avoiding Overwhelm

• Entrepreneurs often struggle with prioritization and execution
• Keeping an "idea document" helps structure business decisions
• A strategic approach ensures resources are focused on the most impactful projects

Key Quotes:

"Marketing is all about solving a problem your audience already has." – Julia Anderson

"Your target audience isn’t just one ideal customer—it’s a range of people with the same core problem that you solve." – Julia Anderson

Connect with Julia:

Website: https://capitalmarketingofficers.com /

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonjulia/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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Many real estate investors struggle with the marketing side of raising capital, often underestimating the importance of branding and visibility. Julia Anderson, founder of Capital Marketing Officer, shares how she helps investors build a solid marketing foundation to attract new investors, nurture leads, and establish credibility. She discusses the power of storytelling, the importance of personal branding, and why capital raising is more about relationships than just having a great deal.

[00:01 - 04:24] From Restaurant Marketing to Real Estate Revolution

• The transition from traditional marketing to real estate syndication
• Birth of Capital Marketing Officer through industry pain points
• Value of building marketing foundations for scalability

[04:25 - 08:55] The Psychology of Capital Raising

• Marketing strategies for different investor relationships
• Importance of trust-building in investment relationships
• Balance between personal connections and professional marketing

[08:56 - 13:38] Authenticity in Digital Presence

• The pitfalls of being a "deal-only" networker
• Evolution from behind-the-scenes to personal branding
• Power of vulnerability in content creation

[13:39 - 18:19] The Human Touch in Marketing

• Personal engagement versus automated solutions
• Importance of direct communication in capital raising
• The balance between automation and authentic relationships

[18:20 - 22:07] Navigating Public Presence

• Managing content authenticity in the digital age
• Strategic approach to social media planning
• Importance of intentional online presence

Key Quotes:

"People invest in people, not just deals. If you don’t market yourself, how will investors trust you? - Julia Anderson

"You don’t want to be the person who only shows up when they have a deal to pitch. People notice that." - Julia Anderson

"Marketing isn’t just about branding; it’s about building relationships that lead to trust and, ultimately, investments." - Julia Anderson

Connect with Julia:

Website: https://capitalmarketingofficers.com /

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonjulia/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing. 

Are you leveraging your brand to open doors and create opportunities, even before your first big win?

In this episode, Nicole Pendergrass shares invaluable insights on personal branding, amplifying your reach through social media, and the power of mindset in achieving success. Nicole discusses creating an authentic brand around your strengths, using social media strategically to build credibility, and acting purposefully toward your goals. She also touches on the benefits of virtual networking, setting clear expectations, and the role of accountability in personal and professional growth.

[00:01 - 04:49] The Power of Personal Branding

• Understanding yourself as a brand
• Identifying your superpowers and building around them
• Amplifying your reach beyond one-on-one connections

[04:50] - 08:31 Content Strategies for Social Media Success

• What to post if you feel you have nothing to share
• Leveraging mindset and personal growth stories
• Using social media for accountability and connection

[08:32 - 12:19] The Expectation Effect

• Acting with purpose toward success
• Setting expectations to create momentum
• How the law of attraction works in practical terms

[12:20 - 16:43] Virtual Networking: A Game-Changer

• The impact of virtual meetups on business growth
• The importance of building global connections
• Adapting to technology to avoid missed opportunities

[16:44 - 19:45] Sharing Knowledge and Creating Abundance

• Why abundance thinking is key to growth
• How sharing information builds stronger communities
• Giving doesn’t take away from your success

Key Quotes:

“People see certain things in you that you don’t see in yourself.” – Nicole Pendergrass

“Act as if you believe in success because you do believe it.” – Nicole Pendergrass

Connect with Nicole:

Company Website: https://noirvestholdings.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pendergrass/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nvestornikki/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nvestornikki/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheShareTheWealthShow  

               https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialNoirvest 

Calendly: https://calendly.com/noirvest/30-minute-connection-call

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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How can you use social media to connect authentically and unlock opportunities without falling into the "comparison trap"?

In this episode, Nicole Pendergrass dives into the power of networking in the virtual world, emphasizing authenticity in social media use. She shares personal stories, actionable tips, and key strategies to transform online interactions into real-life opportunities. Nicole discusses overcoming comparisonitis, leveraging unique strengths, and creating meaningful connections.

[00:01 - 04:57] The Comparison Trap

• Avoid comparing your full life to others' curated posts
• Authenticity fosters genuine connections and reliability
• Accept life's imperfections—it's okay if your journey is messy

[04:58 - 08:15] Turning Social Media into Real Opportunities

• Use social media to build professional relationships that translate to real-life collaborations
• Consistent networking leads to unexpected opportunities and connections
• Authentic engagement beats passive scrolling—be proactive in reaching out

[08:16 - 12:31] Identifying Your Strengths

• Perform an internal audit to recognize your transferable skills and passions
• Tailor your networking approach based on your unique value proposition
• Avoid vague offers of help; come prepared with specific ways you can add value

[12:32 - 16:43] Warm Connections and Research Strategies

• Build rapport before initiating professional conversations to create warm leads
• Use online communities and groups to interact and establish credibility
• Reference shared interests or posts when reaching out to potential collaborators

[16:44 - 20:30] The Mindset Shift for Networking Success

• Treat potential partners as equals rather than superiors
• Frame networking as a mutual value exchange, not a one-sided request
• Confidence and preparation lead to fruitful partnerships

Key Quotes:

"Use social media to push yourself forward as a worthy rival, not a competitor." – Nicole Pendergrass

"Don't ask, 'How can I help?'—instead, identify what value you can bring." – Nicole Pendergrass

Connect with Nicole:

Company Website: https://noirvestholdings.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pendergrass/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nvestornikki/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nvestornikki/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheShareTheWealthShow  

               https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialNoirvest 

Calendly: https://calendly.com/noirvest/30-minute-connection-call

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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What if your next business breakthrough lies in a simple conversation?

Discover how networking, often overlooked, can be the game-changing tool for securing funding, deal flow, and even partnerships in the real estate world. In this episode, Nicole Pendergrass breaks down her transformative journey from hesitant networker to accomplished deal-maker. Learn actionable steps to enhance your confidence, grow your connections, and use social media as a powerful tool to establish credibility.

[00:01 - 04:46] The Power of Networking

• Why networking is critical for deal flow and lead generation
• Nicole shares her initial struggles with confidence in networking
• The importance of making yourself known to the right people

[04:47 - 08:37] Overcoming Networking Challenges

• Nicole's early hesitations about her qualifications to network
• Joining a supportive community to learn and grow
• How COVID-19 accelerated the shift to virtual networking

[08:38 - 12:34] From Connections to Collaborations

• Nicole's journey to finding her first commercial deal through referrals
• The value of being part of a mastermind group
• How introductions within a network led to her first partnership

[12:35 - 17:12] The Role of Social Media

• Overcoming fears of oversharing
• How consistent posting on social media brought opportunities
• The mindset shift required to showcase your journey

[17:13 - 21:22] Financial Insights for Wealth Building

• The importance of shifting financial habits
• Using credit cards wisely to build wealth and security
• Why sharing financial knowledge can create ripple effects for others

Key Quotes:

“It’s not about who you know; it’s about who knows you.” – Nicole Pendergrass

“Sharing your journey—even if you’re just starting—builds trust and opens doors.” – Nicole Pendergrass

Connect with Nicole:

Company Website: https://noirvestholdings.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pendergrass/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nvestornikki/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nvestornikki/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheShareTheWealthShow  

               https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialNoirvest 

Calendly: https://calendly.com/noirvest/30-minute-connection-call

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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How does the puzzle of high-stakes investment funds come together to create win-win solutions for everyone involved?

In this episode, Melanie McDaniel, a seasoned expert in structuring investment funds, shares her journey into the world of capital raising, the nuances of SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles), and the importance of building transparent, investor-friendly fund structures. From personal anecdotes to actionable insights, she breaks down the complexities of fund management and highlights the value of focusing on one's strengths.

[00:01 - 03:56] The Risk and Reward of Angel Investing

• High-risk investments can yield substantial returns but require careful due diligence

• Understanding one's financial limits is crucial before diving into angel investing

• Working with a team mitigates risks and amplifies success

[03:57 - 06:16] Knowing Your Strengths in Capital Raising

• Delegating tasks based on strengths leads to better outcomes

• Building a like-minded team fosters efficiency and enjoyment in work

• Capital raising requires perseverance and adaptability

[06:17 - 09:37] The Art of Structuring Funds

• Transparent fund structures instill investor confidence

• Flexibility in deal structuring creates opportunities for diverse investments

• Clear communication simplifies complexities for investors

[09:38 - 12:14] Lessons from the Field

• Learning from experienced mentors accelerates growth

• A collaborative approach leads to better fund management

• Constant learning and adapting are essential in this field

[112:15 - 15:55] The Power of Collaboration

• Surrounding yourself with experts enhances the results

• Sharing responsibilities enables team members to focus on their strengths

• Collaboration fosters innovation and long-term success

Key Quotes:

"If it’s not a win across the board, I don’t want to do it." – Melanie McDaniel

"A confused mind doesn’t buy." – Melanie McDaniel

Connect with Melanie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniemcdanielinvest/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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