Katherine D'Agostino stumbled into self-storage the way a lot of the best operators do — by process of elimination. After building a company to 31 employees, she knew her next venture had to be something that didn't need people, and self-storage checked every box. Now, as the founder of Storage Ninjas, she works as a feasibility consultant helping investors figure out whether a market can support new supply before a dollar goes into the ground.

Neil and Katherine cover the full spectrum: why feasibility studies aren't optional (any serious lender will ask for one anyway), how to do meaningful market research yourself before you hire a pro, and the often-overlooked art of navigating zoning departments. Katherine also shares the hard lessons from her own ground-up builds — a contractor padding subcontractor bills, an 11-month fight with a planning commission, and why she now gets zoning approved before anything else. Plus, a deep dive into boat and RV storage: why the demand drivers are completely different from traditional storage, what kind of land you actually need to make the numbers work, and why operators are leaving serious money on the table by being afraid to push rates.

Key takeaways to listen for

• [01:28] Katherine's Journey into Self Storage
• [09:17] Financing and Market Selection
• [15:46] The Importance of Feasibility Studies
• [23:36] Conducting Feasibility Studies
• [26:13] Initial Steps in Market Analysis
• [29:14] Evaluating Market Health and Attitudes
• [30:23] Budgeting and Funding Strategies
• [30:57] Boat and RV Storage Insights
• [32:06] Understanding Customer Behavior
• [33:02] Navigating Market Data and Regulations
• [36:34] Challenges and Opportunities in Boat and RV Storage

About Katherine D'Agostino

Katherine D'Agostino founded Self-Storage Ninjas, a consultancy specializing in feasibility studies for self-storage, boat and RV storage, storage condos, and flex warehouses. With extensive experience as an owner and developer of multiple storage facilities, she provides critical market analysis to help clients make informed decisions about their storage projects. Katherine is a frequent speaker at industry events and a contributor to top-tier publications. Her consultancy aims to empower clients by offering detailed, data-driven insights and long-term support throughout their development journey

Connect with Katherine

• Website: Self-Storage Ninjas
• Contact: Contact Katherine

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Are you ready to revolutionize your real estate investing strategies and build generational wealth? We sit down with Dwan Bent-Twyford as she shares how she went from wholesaling over 2,000 houses to revitalizing entire downtown areas, creating tremendous value and community impact. Dial now to get actionable tips and strategies on making smarter investments and securing long-term financial freedom.

Key takeaways to listen for

• [01:01] How Dwan began her real estate journey with just $75 and turned it into a successful career
• [02:38] A step-by-step approach to wholesaling over 2,000 houses and consistently finding great deals.
• [05:20] The importance of building efficient systems and assembling a reliable team
• [13:15] Multiple benefits of investing in opportunity zones
• [24:49] Innovative ways to educate your children about business and investing

Resources mentioned in this episode

• [25:00] The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko | Hardcover and Paperback
• [27:02] Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill | Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover
• [27:03] Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki | Kindle, Paperback, and Mass Market Paperback
• [27:05] Tony Robbins Books

About Dwan Bent-Twyford

Dwan Bent-Twyford is America's most sought-after real estate investor coach. She has been featured in interviews and articles on over 500 media outlets. Dwan's podcast has grown in popularity for the past four years and is now among the top 700 business podcasts globally.

Connect with Dwan

• Website: Dwanderful
• Podcast: The Most Dwanderful Real Estate Podcast Ever! | Apple Podcasts and Spotify

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Links referenced in this episode:

• dwanderful.com

Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to optimize your portfolio, this episode is for you! It’s packed with practical strategies that highlight the power of real estate in achieving financial independence. Press play and join us as Kevin Tornes shares his diverse investment strategies, from house hacking to earning passive income through syndications.

Key takeaways to listen for

• [06:03] How to transition from primary residences to investment properties and the challenges of becoming a landlord
• [11:47] Importance of having a supportive spouse when investing in real estate
• [19:08] Ways diverse investment strategies can serve as your financial safety nets
• [23:53] The financial implications of leveraging equity and the risks associated with real estate debt
• [27:21] An approach to building a portfolio that supports your personal and financial goals

Resources mentioned in this episode

• [03:06] BiggerPockets
• [13:57] MLS.com

About Kevin Tornes

Kevin is the Senior Manager of Sales Operations at nCino, Inc. He is a skilled business operations analyst with experience in deal desk operations, order management, ERP project management, and IIOT software monitoring for customers. Using CPQ in Salesforce, he has managed software services costing, pricing, scope definition, and proposal creation for software services teams worldwide. 

Connect with Kevin

• LinkedIn: Kevin Tornes

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Unlock the secrets to transforming your financial destiny as we explore actionable strategies for leveraging properties for maximum profit and innovative ways to optimize your investment portfolio for greater returns. If you're seeking to elevate your investment game and achieve financial independence, this episode with Josiah Smelser is perfect for learning how to navigate the complexities of the real estate market.

Key takeaways to listen for

• [02:12] Initial steps and challenges in real estate investment and how to solve them
• [09:07] Strategic shifts from traditional rentals to high-yield vacation properties
• [12:44] The logistics and benefits of managing properties with a focused, in-house team
• [21:03] The future of investing and the potential shift toward syndication
• [37:48] How to manage substantial equity and the considerations for repositioning assets

Resources mentioned in this episode

• [34:04] Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki | Kindle and Paperback

About Josiah Smelser

Josiah is a financially independent real estate investor and former college finance professor with 20 years of investing experience. He is dedicated to equipping people with the tools to achieve financial independence, build wealth, and live life on their own terms. His mission is to help a million people break free from bad debt, invest in real estate, achieve financial independence, and do meaningful work while giving back to help others.

Josiah's expertise includes wealth building, real estate investing, personal finance, budgeting, eliminating bad debt, entrepreneurship, and overcoming limiting beliefs.

Connect with Josiah

• YouTube: Josiah Smelser

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Turn challenges into opportunities for growth with Tyler Sellars as he unveils how strategic shifts and embracing technology have allowed him to thrive in a fluctuating market. Press play to discover the secrets to managing a global investment portfolio and making data-driven decisions to elevate your own real estate ventures today.

Key takeaways to listen for

• [04:41] Advantages of self-storage investment over traditional residential properties
• [10:01] The impact of geographical flexibility on investment opportunities and lifestyle
• [16:10] Risks and rewards of development vs. acquisition in self-storage
• [25:51] High interest rates and their effect on storage facility operations
• [39:04] The role of innovative technology in managing self-storage investments from abroad

Resources mentioned in this episode

Ready to revolutionize your real estate game? Go to https://www.trycactus.com/blog/introducing-cactus and gain a deep understanding of your self-storage investments' performance while seamlessly managing your financials.

About Tyler Sellars

Tyler is a Canadian entrepreneur based in Spain, currently serving as the CEO of TryCactus.com. He has been investing in self-storage for three years and in real estate for six. Tyler's journey began in 2018, shortly after graduating from college, when he posted a heartfelt plea on Instagram seeking a down payment to secure a 7-bedroom rooming house. This successful acquisition kickstarted his investment journey. 

Despite early challenges, including a global pandemic that complicated the real estate market, Tyler's strategic decisions led to significant growth. Eventually, at 27, he sold all his properties and shifted his focus to the self-storage industry, founding SimpleStorage.ca. This venture quickly became a leading name in the storage industry with three locations and expanded services, including third-party management and franchising options. Tyler attributes his success to the foundational support from his first investors and a relentless pursuit of innovative business strategies.

Connect with Tyler

• Website: Cactus
• LinkedIn: Tyler Sellars

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Uncover the secrets to successful house flipping with Dan Breslin. Press play to learn how he buys out high volumes of properties and manages renovations from market to market but still sees over 300 successful transactions yearly. Elevate your flipping game and turn market challenges into opportunities by tuning in now!

Key takeaways to listen for

• [00:43] Benefits of hosting a real estate podcast and its impact on personal and business growth
• [02:20] How to transition to flipping higher-value properties and how it influences your profit margins
• [05:28] Strategies for managing risks in house flipping
• [10:23] The positive effect of strategic property investments on revitalizing neighborhoods
• [25:14] Why you need to stay adaptable in a fluctuating real estate market

Resources mentioned in this episode

• [08:15] Google Ads
• [08:16] Meta Ads - Reach Customers Online with Ads on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger & WhatsApp | Meta for Business

About Dan Breslin

Dan's experience in real estate began in his youth. His grandfather served as the property manager for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s real estate portfolio from the 1950s through the mid-1980s. Dan learned the business of fixing up houses firsthand, growing up working on the construction sites of his father’s contracting business.

He was raised in Drexel Hill, a suburb of Philadelphia. In 2014, Dan moved to Chicago to be a more present father to his then-middle school-aged daughter. This move marked the beginning of Diamond Equity, which started buying houses in the Philadelphia market and then expanded to Chicago.

Connect with Dan

• Website: Diamond Equity Investments
• Podcast: REI Diamonds

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Links referenced in this episode:

• housingcrash2006.com
• reidiamonds.com

Do you want to learn how to structure your investments for maximum financial benefit? Explore innovative strategies for leveraging foundations to gain tax advantages and receive invaluable tips on optimizing asset appreciation from expert Shannon Robnett. Tune in now to transform your approach to investing and achieve greater financial freedom.

Key takeaways to listen for

• [03:57] How different tax strategies can be effectively utilized across various real estate investments
• [06:09] A way to have better control over your tax obligations and long-term financial planning
• [11:56] How to structure investments and plan taxes to maximize returns and minimize tax liabilities
• [29:54] The importance of selecting the right markets to invest in based on economic indicators
• [32:07] The impact of wage growth on property value increases and rental income potential

About Shannon Robnett

Shannon is a real estate developer with a principal focus on multifamily and industrial real estate in Idaho. He is a second-generation builder and fourth-generation realtor. Mr. Robnett has lived in Idaho for 40 years and has spent 25+ years as a developer and builder in that market. His projects include multifamily, fire stations, schools, hospitals, police stations, and more, with $200M in personal transactions to date.

Connect with Shannon

• Website: Shannon Robnett
• Email: [email protected]

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Links referenced in this episode:

• shannonrobnet.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Warren Buffett
• Rockefeller Foundation

Discover the transformative journey of transitioning from active to passive real estate investing in this episode with Tyler Smith. Learn how to maximize your investment returns while minimizing personal time investment as we share invaluable insights into strategies for a better work-life balance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to reshape your financial future!

Key takeaways to listen for

• [02:40] How and why you should shift from active to passive real estate investing
• [04:10] Operational challenges in managing Airbnb properties and short-term rentals
• [09:59] Long-term financial strategies and how to further diversify and secure your investment portfolio
• [19:58] Why you need to have the right network to succeed in real estate investing
• [23:07] The importance of aligning your investment strategies with your lifestyle goals

Resources mentioned in this episode

• [22:18] Outlive by Peter Attia MD and Bill Gifford | Kindle, Hardcover, and Paperback

About Tyler Smith

Tyler is a real estate professional with a solid background in sales and management. He leverages his insight into community dynamics and market trends to offer clients honest guidance for making profitable property investments.

He was a top producer in corporate medical sales before transitioning to real estate. He is committed to providing excellent customer service and building lasting relationships. Tyler also coaches strength conditioning and is actively involved in philanthropic causes. He lives in Carolina Beach with his family and enjoys contributing to community upliftment.

Connect with Tyler

• Phone Number: (610) 573-0706

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Ready to revolutionize your real estate journey? Listen now as we share powerful insights from the Best Ever Conference. Perfect for anyone curious about real estate investment and syndication, this episode is packed with essential strategies, the latest industry trends, and incredible networking opportunities. Tune in now and discover how such transformative events can supercharge your investment career!

Key takeaways to listen for

• [01:37] How attending real estate conferences can change professional trajectories and expand networks
• [04:10] The significance of networking with top-level investors
• [07:26] Insights into Nomad Capital’s participation in the Pitch Slam event
• [12:42] Advantages of understanding syndication and the long-term value creation in commercial real estate
• [24:04] Reflections on how the conference serves as a team-building and strategic planning platform

Resources mentioned in this episode

• [00:25] Best Ever Real Estate Conference
• [00:52] Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever
• [00:54] Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book by Joe Fairless and Theo Hicks | Paperback and Kindle

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Step into the world of real estate investing with Jonathan Greene. He shatters traditional cash flow myths and reveals the ultimate investment treasure and how you can achieve it. So listen until the end for an enlightening episode that promises to redefine your approach to real estate and life itself!

Key takeaways to listen for

• [04:44] Significance of appreciation over volume in real estate investing
• [09:49] The problem with new real estate investors and how to solve it
• [16:24] How a mindful approach can redefine success in real estate
• [26:46] Importance of family, legacy, and setting a foundation for future generations
• [32:53] Strategies for becoming a more focused and informed investor

Resources mentioned in this episode

• [23:37] The Wealthy Gardener by John Soforic | Kindle, Hardcover, and Paperback
• [23:55] Zen and the Art of Happiness by Chris Prentiss | Kindle, Hardcover, and Paperback

About Jonathan Greene

Jonathan Greene is a thought leader in the real estate and real estate investing space. He is the host of one of the fastest-growing real estate investing podcasts in the world, Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing. Jonathan is the Team Leader of Streamlined Properties, brokered by ΓEA⅃, a multi-state team of professional, knowledgeable, and proficient real estate agents built to connect with clients who need agents to understand exactly what they are looking for.

Connect with Jonathan

• Website: Jonathan Greene | Streamlined Properties
• Podcast: Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
• Instagram: @trustgreene
• YouTube: Jonathan Greene

YouTube: Truly Passive Income

TikTok: @trulypassiveincome

Instagram: @truly_passive_income

Facebook: Truly Passive

Twitter: @trulypassive

Everything you need to get started in passive investing - Download Here

Links referenced in this episode:

• trustgreen.com