The self-storage industry is highly consolidated by large REITs such as Public Storage. As a result, these titans like to buy “research reports” to help explain the current industry statistics for investors (which, not remarkably, typically just happen to support their business strategy). But for smaller investors, these reports may be lacking some of the information that reflects your business model as opposed to a REIT. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to discuss this issue and how to protect against getting the false impression on some key items.

For a while, self-storage cap rates had been in the same ballpark as other sectors – most notably apartments – but now they are going up while housing sector cap rates are staying low. Why is this occurring and what can you do to protect yourself? That’s the subject of this Self-Storage University podcast. As you’ll see, there are legitimate reasons for this cap rate disparity, and important steps you can do to mitigate this risk going forward.

Every self-storage facility needs a manager. But you need one that actually makes your property perform as planned – not hold you back from success. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re tackling the subject of what makes a manager go bad and how you can best manage this risk. While all self-storage facility managers are not perfect, some are really bad and can cost you big money. This podcast helps to reduce those losses.

There are two realities in life: death and taxes. And property tax is a part of every self-storage facility budget. But how do you know how much to estimate? And what do you do when the tax assessor thinks the value is more than you do? We’re going to cover these and related topics on this episode of the Self-Storage University podcast. You can’t escape paying taxes, but you can ensure that you plan and pay the correct amount.

The number one topic in the news is the return of inflation. It’s at the highest pace in nearly two decades, and that’s got serious ramifications in a number of areas. So how will the return of inflation impact self-storage investing? That’s the topic of this Self-Storage University podcast, and we’re going to explore all the pros and cons. It’s a very important issue and worthy of a lengthy discussion.

Many investors “partner” to buy properties. But how do you divide up the profits in these cases? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the common thoughts on structuring profit splits as well as forging successful, long-term partnership arrangements. As we’ll discuss, there’s much more to partnership considerations than just dividing up the money like a pirate ship. And a strong partnership – one in which all parties feel they are being treated fairly – can be an essential tool to buying storage properties.

One way to borrow money is to simply step into the shoes of the prior owner. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the ins and outs of doing debt assumption on a property. In many cases, debt assumption may be your best option, yet many buyers do not even realize that the potential is there.

It’s hard to operate a storage facility without someone being in charge. Sometimes it’s the owner, but more often it’s an employee. And with hiring people comes many important responsibilities. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the basics of hiring and firing facility managers. It’s a complicated and litigious world out there and you have to make sure you have a plan before you put out the “help wanted” signs.

One of the best sources for finding storage properties to buy are brokers. So how can you work with them to get access to their best listings? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the methods utilized to forge successful relationships with industry brokers and to find good deals to make offers on.

Buying a self-storage facility is a very important decision. Due diligence is an essential part of the effort to make sure it’s a success. But some buyers try to delegate this work to others. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review what you can – and can’t – delegate regarding diligence and the reasons for that limitation.