Self-Storage Investing
Recession-resistant, management-light, and still fragmented
Self-storage has outperformed nearly every other CRE asset class over the last 20 years. This course covers why storage is so profitable, how to underwrite a facility, the three main acquisition strategies (mom-and-pop conversions, ground-up development, portfolio plays), and Florida-specific storage market dynamics.
Download the Self-Storage Investing Workbook
Printable PDF with exercises, worksheets, and fill-in notes designed to go alongside every lesson in this course.
What you'll learn
- Underwrite a self-storage facility using square foot, unit mix, and rate economics
- Identify mom-and-pop facilities ripe for professional management
- Evaluate ground-up storage development feasibility
- Understand REIT comps (Public Storage, Extra Space, CubeSmart) and what they mean for private buyers
- Apply revenue management (ECRI) to drive existing-customer rent growth
Lessons
- 01
Why Self-Storage — The Quiet Outperformer of CRE
Self-storage has outperformed almost every other CRE asset class for two decades. This lesson explains why — recession resistance, low operating costs, and pricing power.
11 min - 02
Underwriting a Self-Storage Facility
How to underwrite self-storage — unit mix, rate analysis, occupancy patterns, expense ratios, and the metrics storage operators actually care about.
12 min - 03
The Mom-and-Pop Value-Add Strategy
How to find and unlock value in under-managed self-storage facilities — sourcing, negotiation, and the operational improvements that drive 30-50% NOI growth.
12 min - 04
Ground-Up Self-Storage Development
When to build instead of buy — site selection, feasibility, construction, lease-up, and the development playbook for new self-storage facilities.
12 min - 05
Revenue Management and ECRI
How storage revenue management actually works — existing customer rate increases (ECRI), dynamic pricing, and the operational tactics that drive 8-15% annual revenue growth.
11 min - 06
Storage Market Analysis and Competitive Landscape
How to evaluate a storage market — saturation analysis, competitive landscape, REIT vs independent dynamics, and the Florida-specific market story.
11 min - 07
Storage Financing and Exit Strategies
How to finance self-storage — bank loans, CMBS, SBA, bridge debt, and the exit options that turn a value-add into a wealth-building strategy.
11 min
Up next — Course 16
Retail & Specialty Properties
Car washes, QSR, automotive, medical office, and other specialty plays