by Jonathan Ciaccio | Apr 26, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
I had a few aha moments at the recent Inside Self Storage Convention (ISS) a few weeks ago, One of them was about the future of Boat & RV developments as a niche in the storage space. I heard a statistic. I already heard it a few times, but this time it clicked. I...
by Mark Helm | Apr 19, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
As many of you know, I attended the Inside Self Storage (ISS) Convention two weeks ago in Las Vegas. Not everyone could go, so here are a few takeaways in no particular order. Consolidation of The Self-Storage Space It’s not really surprising considering the amount of...
by Mark Helm | Apr 12, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
Let’s talk about the physics of self-storage today. One of my passions is studying physics. Particularly theoretical physics at the quantum level. It’s mind-blowing, fascinating, and can also be very spiritual. Sir Isaac Newton really began much physics as we know it...
by Mark Helm | Mar 29, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
Over the years, working with a lot of people who need to “raise investment money” from “investors.” I have seen many not succeed. I struggled some when I first got started, as well. It’s not always a bad thing to learn how to fail. Success could be called what happens...
by Mark Helm | Mar 22, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
Two main organizations put on seminars in the self-storage space in the US. One is the Self-Storage Association (SSA), and the other is Inside Self Storage (ISS). I love the SSA; it is a vital organization for self-storage owners. I find the ISS helpful for people new...
by Mark Helm | Mar 15, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
I have been on a soap box for years, preaching that square feet of storage per person is not always the most accurate way to determine the viability of a self-storage project in a given trade area. Many of you have suffered through my rants before. No rant today. Yes,...
by Mark Helm | Mar 1, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
This episode will be more self-promoting than normal, but I will cover material that will be important to you regardless of whether you are joining us in this upcoming QuickStart Self-Storage Boot Camp on March 8th & 9th, 2024. Many things are changing in the...
by Mark Helm | Feb 23, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
In my world of self-storage acquisition, there are two significant obstacles today. One is financing challenges, and the other is construction costs. Now, it is true construction costs have leveled off somewhat, but they are still high. And when these two items...
by Mark Helm | Feb 16, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
Introduction In the world of self-storage investments, few concepts are as widely discussed and misunderstood as capitalization rates or CAP rates. I don’t think I have really seen an accurate one in an offering memorandum since…well….ever. I’ve seen...
by Mark Helm | Feb 9, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
Have you been trying to get a loan today for self-storage? It doesn’t much matter who you are trying to borrow from. Bank, national SBA lender, CMBS, Life Company; it has most likely been challenging. Are you trying to refinance? I am sure you are experiencing...
by Mark Helm | Feb 2, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
Given I am writing this in early Jan. 2024 and focusing on a back-to-the-basics series for getting into the self-storage industry because we have a lot of new people in the community and because I have just put out two detailed episodes on how to analyze, I thought I...
by Mark Helm | Jan 26, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
Let’s take a look at a video I did on how to analyze Conversion in Episode 211. Conversions are a great way to get into the self-storage business. But a lot has changed since I first recorded this episode. And yet, a lot remains the same. Let’s take a look...
by Mark Helm | Jan 19, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
Here is a video I did on how to analyze expansions in Episode 210. Expansions are still a major way I, and the people I work with, are using to get into the self-storage business. But a lot has changed since I first recorded this episode. And yet, a lot remains the...
by Mark Helm | Jan 12, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
Let’s use Jan. of 2024 as a back-to-the-basics on how to get into the self-storage business or grow one in these challenging times; I thought I would talk again about what makes a good site for self-storage. I have written about it in episodes 303 and 381, but I will...
by Mark Helm | Jan 5, 2024 | Buy Self Storage
As I write this in Jan 2024, I get asked a lot “What and where are the best self-storage opportunities today.” Another version of this question may be, “How in the world can I get into self-storage today with interest rates where they are now and construction costs so...
by Mark Helm | Dec 29, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Most of us who are in the self-storage business or own our own businesses set yearly goals. I recently went through the process I use prior to setting my goals with the members of our Inner Circle community, and it seemed to make an impact, so I thought I would share...
by Mark Helm | Dec 15, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
It has been an interesting year for many of us small investors in the self-storage space. I have definitely been involved in fewer deals. It is much harder to make them pencell out. I also have some that I had to walk away from. First, I am not sure what we are going...
by Mark Helm | Dec 1, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Many of us get into self-storage because we are looking for freedom. Both financially and in terms of the freedom to manage our time as we see fit. And yet, when we successfully close on our first deal, we are often busier than ever. At first, we don’t notice it...
by Mark Helm | Nov 10, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
In today’s self-storage industry, one of the biggest challenges we have today as small self-storage entrepreneurs is the rising disconnect between the rates quoted by Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and the actual rental prices in the market, including their own...
by Mark Helm | Nov 3, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Why in the world would someone ever consider a hard-money loan for refinancing a self-storage facility? Well, for a few, it may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Many Could Face This Let’s say you did a value-add project in 2017 or 2018. I am going to totally make...
by Mark Helm | Oct 27, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
In the ever-evolving landscape of self-storage business, owners and operators are bracing themselves for a challenging year ahead as insurance premiums continue to surge, outpacing most other operational expenses. The days of predictable, marginal increases are behind...
by Mark Helm | Oct 20, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
“Is now the time to get in self storage?” I get asked that multiple times a week. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to that question. I have an opinion. But my opinion is based on my experiences and history in the space, as well as my history in commercial real...
by Mark Helm | Oct 6, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
It was 2007, and I realized I needed to get back into the self-storage business. I had put a small portfolio together in the early 00s but ended up selling it to a fund. I did OK, but my investors at the time did great. On that 2007 morning, the economy was blowing...
by Mark Helm | Sep 29, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
“Self-storage rents have dropped 20% to 30% since the start of the year.” “Sales transactions are down 57%.” “Interest rates are rising.” “Construction costs are up 40%.” These are just some of the headlines we see today in much of the self-storage news. And all of...
by Mark Helm | Sep 22, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
I am starting to have fun again as I work on getting my next self-storage project. Nothing has really changed that much in the market…but I am beginning to notice a shift. I am still writing LOIs that would equate to 7+ CAPS on my numbers (not Seller’s or Seller’s...
by Mark Helm | Sep 15, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Interest rates are going up! No… they’re flattening out and going down. No, wait…they are going up. There will be no more increases… Hold on… It looks like one more. No, make that at least two more .25% hikes. Life can be in flux often. But as a small buyer and...
by Mark Helm | Sep 8, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
As I write this episode in 3ed quarter of 2023, we live in the shadow of many big self-storage facilities. Lots of it. Over the past eight years or so, there have been a lot of: REITs have expanded their foothold in the self-storage space. Since 2015, REITs have...
by Mark Helm | Aug 25, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Yes, I have a facility where there is no manager. Automation has allowed that. But, for the most part, projects I have been involved in have managers. I like managers. I like the level of customer service a good store manager can provide. So, for the most part, I...
by Mark Helm | Aug 18, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Yes, I am seeing more distressed self-storage being marketed. It is actually something I didn’t see very often early in my career. I can remember telling people things like, “If you see a distressed self-storage facility, odds are you don’t want it. It is usually...
by Mark Helm | Jul 21, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
I’m starting to see the distressed self-storage listings. I said they were most likely coming, and I am starting to see a trickle of them, soon to be more. Keep your eyes open. Example: Yesterday I saw a listing, unpriced, of course, with a call for offers. It was a...
by Mark Helm | Jul 7, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
When coaching people on their self-storage journey, I often say, “I reserve the right to be wrong.” I am going to say that here as well. Anything I say in this episode could be wrong, and I may change my mind later. I hope someone in the industry reads this and...
by Mark Helm | Jun 30, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
A lot has changed since I first dipped my toes into the self-storage waters in 1995. Perhaps the most interesting and fast-paced changes have revolved around tech innovations. Not all tech innovations are right for your facility. I have often said that one needs to...
by Mark Helm | Jun 16, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
I hear it almost daily from someone, “I see self-storage facilities everywhere.” If you’re considering entering the self-storage industry, or for those of us in it and growing our business, one of the most critical steps is selecting the right site...
by Mark Helm | Jun 9, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
We talk a lot about buying self storage in these episodes. Let’s discuss selling. Believe it or not, there is a skill to successfully selling a self storage project and maximizing your returns yields for your partners and investors. Like most things in my life, I have...
by Mark Helm | May 26, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
There is one big benefit from having been in and around the self storage business for almost 30 years ( in other words being old). You learn some lessons you did not and could not have known when you began. Let me share five of the lessons about self storage...
by Mark Helm | May 12, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
If you live in Indiana, did you know the default time for assessing a late penalty and denying tenants access to their units has been shortened? Did you know Indiana, the time period has been shortened between when someone is late and when a lien sale can be...
by Mark Helm | May 5, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
I just returned from a two-week break I took as I traveled with my wife to Florida. I did no writing and few real estate and calls. But I continued my morning practices and realized just how much meditation has made a difference in my life and business. I hesitated to...
by Mark Helm | Apr 7, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Over the last three weeks, we have been discussing an overview of fundraising for small self storage investors getting into the business or growing their business from my perspective. This will be the last in this mini-series. I have organized this large and...
by Mark Helm | Mar 31, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Over the last two weeks, we have been discussing an overview of fundraising for small self storage investors getting into the business or growing their business. I have organized this large and complicated world of fundraising into three main buckets, syndications,...
by Mark Helm | Mar 24, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Last week, I introduced self storage Fundraising 101 and discussed three main types of raising capital for self storage investments. I have organized this large and complicated world of fundraising into three main buckets, syndications, joint ventures, and funds (or...
by Mark Helm | Mar 17, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
As a small investor who raises money for equity in the deals I do and as a self storage coach who helps people get into the self storage business who often have to raise money, I have seen a lot of deals and deal structures. Of all the training I have attempted to...
by Mark Helm | Mar 3, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Last week, as a self storage person, not an economist, I shared my ideas on inflation. Inflation is the driver of what is happening to our economy at this moment in time. I also suggested, to whatever degree possible, that we put aside our political leanings because...
by Mark Helm | Feb 24, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Yes, I am a self storage person interpreting the economic data points and sharing how I see it fitting into our area of interest, self storage. Now depending on which news silo you get most of your “news” from, you hear vastly different interpretations of economic...
by Mark Helm | Feb 17, 2023 | Buy Self Storage, Self Storage Mindsets for 2023
In the world of self storage, fundraising for self storage, or any other worthwhile endeavors, one needs to know what to do, but the most important aspect of success is one’s mindset. One’s thinking. Most people are not present to it, but you’re thinking is actually...
by Mark Helm | Feb 10, 2023 | Buy Self Storage, Self Storage Mindsets for 2023
Last week I introduced the idea that no matter what the industry, or niche in any industry, the more I hang around people who are at the top of their game, the less they discuss tactics and strategies, and the more they discuss the breakthrough they had in their...
by Mark Helm | Feb 3, 2023 | Self Storage Mindsets for 2023
I have been threatening to create a course on Fundraising For The Small Investor In Self Storage for years. I am in the process of doing so now and will also be speaking on the subject at the April 2023 ISS (Inside Self Storage) Expo and Convention at Ceases Palace in...
by Mark Helm | Jan 27, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Do you know you can talk to the person you hire for a self storage feasibility report and ask them to focus on a few additional things before you engage them? At least I do. So far, it has worked. Now every feasibility report (at least good ones) will have basic items...
by Mark Helm | Jan 13, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
As I discussed last week, I love doing self storage expansions. But sometimes, as I analyze an expansion and run a preliminary analysis figuring out how much additional self storage I can get on the excess land, the numbers still don’t work very well. It’s not a deal...
by Mark Helm | Jan 6, 2023 | Buy Self Storage
Last week I told you I love self storage conversions. I also love self storage expansions. Like conversions, we have made a lot of money for my family, partners, and investors. I have also seen many people I coach and train do well with expansions. But I have seen and...
by Mark Helm | Dec 30, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
I love self storage conversions. I have made more money on self storage conversions than any other form of self storage projects I have done. That doesn’t mean conversions are all I do in the world of self storage, but I really enjoy conversion projects or...
by Mark Helm | Dec 16, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
I have written and talked a lot about buying self storage. I figured it was time I wrote about selling self storage along with my number one rule for selling a project. As many of you know, I talk a lot about your “why.” The reason you are getting into self storage,...
by Mark Helm | Dec 9, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
About twice a year, I get on my soapbox and pontificate about using sq. ft/per capita as the sole and primary basis for determining self storage supply/demand in a market or trade area. It’s that time of year again. And like all human beings, I love it when others...
by Mark Helm | Dec 2, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
Is there really a slowdown in the self storage space due to rising interest rates? There appears to be, but for me, at least, the total picture isn’t quite in yet. Like our world today, the self storage industry is a mixed bag of contradictions. As small investors,...
by Mark Helm | Nov 4, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
I have noticed an interesting thing as I have coached and consulted people over the years getting into the self storage business. Usually, someone early in their self storage journey is attracted to the business because of the anticipation of the freedom running their...
by Mark Helm | Oct 28, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
There is a lot of grinding of teeth and wringing of hands around rising interest rates and buying self storage today. I don’t want to minimize the impact higher interest rates can have on projects and underwriting them. Today, more discipline in underwriting is...
by Mark Helm | Oct 21, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
I get asked many different self storage questions, but this one seems to come up a lot. Here was the exact question: “Hi Mark, …The biggest hurdle I am trying to overcome is determining how much money it will cost to start a facility from scratch. I know this cost...
by Mark Helm | Sep 23, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
Let me tell you about Fred’s (not his real name) story and how he got into self storage. Over the next few episodes, I will interview some previous students and/or tell the story of a few students I have worked with, so some of you may see yourself in them. Fred was a...
by Mark Helm | Sep 9, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
I get asked this question a lot today about self storage. “Is it still a good investment for small investors?” Or a question like, “Didn’t I miss when I should have gotten in 20 years ago?” Well, let’s look. Two Main Parts to The Question There are two main aspects to...
by Mark Helm | Aug 26, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
Yes, self storage has performed well during past recessionary times. But past performance is not indicative of future performance. At least, that is what my LLC documents say. How many of you were in the self storage business during the ’08 recession? I was....
by Mark Helm | Aug 19, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
I was asked to write an article on self storage as an investment vehicle to fund one’s retirement. I almost turned down the assignment because I have such a strong opinion about the retirement and wealth advisors industry. I need to say I am not an investment advisor....
by Mark Helm | Aug 12, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
For most of our facilities, in 2020 & 2021, what do you think was the number one source of new leases? If you guessed the internet, you are close. In fact, for some facilities, it was, in some quarters. But as a portfolio, what is the number one source of our new...
by Mark Helm | Aug 5, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
“Referrals” as a source of new self storage leases average between 10% on the low end to 40% on the high end per quarter between 2016 and 2021. We do our best to track everything, including where our new leases come from, and referrals have always been a very high...
by Mark Helm | Jul 29, 2022 | Self Storage Business Planning, Self Storage Management
If you do it right in your self storage facility, you can create a lot of additional income and value for yourself by having the right additional sources of revenue. Even in managerless, automated projects, one can create a high percentage of additional revenue. But...
by Mark Helm | Jul 22, 2022 | Self Storage Business Planning, Self Storage Financing
Will Rising Interest Rates Cool Off Self Storage Market? Or at least the acquisition side of it? In my opinion, that wouldn’t be all bad. But I have my doubts. Yes, yield curve inversion, a classic recession indicator, fired up in early July, but other “recessionary”...
by Mark Helm | Jul 15, 2022 | Self Storage Management
Jonathan, the person who works with me on providing the content I produce supporting small investors getting in, or growing their self storage business, suggested I consider writing something on security options for people building or rehabbing a facility. It always...
by Mark Helm | Jul 8, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
This self storage episode will be short but could be worth, let’s say, $40,000 of value. Perhaps worth reading. I am talking about a way to increase retail sales. No matter where we are in retail sales in any given facility, we always look to improve it. This amount...
by Mark Helm | Jul 1, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
I was reminded by a friend and someone I have been working with for a number of years just how naive I was four or five years ago about the self storage industry. I remember writing and saying, “With all the data and technology available today, there is no need for...
by Mark Helm | Jun 24, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
The self storage business is competitive. Lots of new space is coming or just came online. Probably in your market. Much of our strategies as small business owners and small self storage operators is to automate and cut down on payroll cost to be competitive and take...
by Mark Helm | Jun 17, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
Let me show you how you can create, let’s say, $292,000 additional value on your subsequent self storage acquisition of, let’s say, a 365-unit self storage facility. I’m talking tenant insurance. Yes, I know you are either saying, “tenant insurance is in the Offering...
by Mark Helm | Jun 3, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
I recently gave a talk at the 2022 Inside Self-Storage Convention and was asked to write a follow-up article on Financial Literacy. The talk was titled “Reading Your Financial Story, Interpreting Your Self-Storage P & L’s And Other Financial Statements.” I am...
by Mark Helm | May 27, 2022 | Self Storage Management
This is the final episode in a series on leadership development inside a self storage business. Remember, no matter where you are in your self-storage journey, owning a portfolio of facilities, or just starting, you will be creating a culture as you get in the...
by Mark Helm | May 20, 2022 | Self Storage Management
In this third episode in the Self Storage Leadership Series, I want to talk about a trait an effective Leader has that has always been elusive to me… The Art of Delegation. I call it an art because it requires almost an intuitive skill, in my humble opinion. I believe...
by Mark Helm | May 13, 2022 | Buy Self Storage, Self Storage Mindset
As a self storage owner or soon-to-be owner, you will need the right team assembled. I discussed this in detail in Episode 331. We talked about the team members, the roles or spaces that we need to get covered, and the possible ways (hint: 3 different ways to assemble...
by Mark Helm | May 6, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
After returning from the recent ISS 2022 Expo in Las Vegas, I am more convinced that effective self storage company leaders who are moving the needle in their companies and the industry are great storytellers. I know with every fiber in my being that it does not...
by Mark Helm | Apr 22, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
When my Grandson Jackson was in the first grade, at his first “Leadership” day at his school, he informed me that he would start college in 2025. I don’t even think he knew what college was. Many people I work with say they are getting into the Self Storage Business....
by Mark Helm | Apr 15, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
Nothing other than perhaps online marketing has risen as fast for self storage owners as property tax. And that number is much larger than the marketing cost. I am convinced that when Property Valuation Administrators have their conventions as we do, they talk about...
by Mark Helm | Apr 8, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
As I am looking at a self storage project, I have noticed (1) apartment rent growth in the market and (2) housing demand. I am clear there is a link between the two and self storage demand. I am just not able to have a formula that quantifies how much the impact is on...
by Mark Helm | Apr 1, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
Given the tight nature of the self storage market, as small investors, we are searching for any idea, lead, or data point to help us get in or grow our self storage business. I read the industry papers as they come out. Recently I read the Marcus & Millichap 2022...
by Mark Helm | Mar 25, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
As self storage owners, we hear a lot about inflation today. What does it mean for us? Well, in my opinion, it is a mixed bag. I should start by saying I am not an expert on much in life, especially not the economy. There is no reason why you should listen to anything...
by Mark Helm | Mar 18, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
Most people I work with getting in the self storage business are individuals who think they are solo entrepreneurs getting in storage. It often takes a while to realize they are not. There is no way. Yes, you may not have employees or partners…but I guarantee you, you...
by Mark Helm | Mar 11, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
Something was brought to my attention by someone I have a self storage coaching relationship with between apartment rents and storage rents. Specifically, this relationship can impact self storage demand in a market area. Said another way, how this relationship can...
by Mark Helm | Mar 4, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
This is the fourth and final episode in a series entitled Practices For Self Storage Entrepreneurs To Develop Series. Given the state of the self storage industry today, and the unique challenges, I thought I would share some of the best habits, mindsets, or...
by Mark Helm | Feb 27, 2022 | Buy Self Storage, Practices to Develop for Self Storage Entrepeneurs
This is the third episode in a series entitled Practices For Self Storage Entrepreneurs To Develop Series. The older I get, the more I realize how life can occur like a contradiction. Like the last practice we discussed, “analyze … but don’t over analyze.” Let’s...
by Mark Helm | Feb 18, 2022 | Practices to Develop for Self Storage Entrepeneurs
This is the second episode in a series titled Practices for Self Storage Entrepreneurs to Develop Series. Given how fast we have to move to control storage opportunities in today’s world, I think a few ideas on best practices could be helpful. In last...
by Mark Helm | Feb 12, 2022 | Practices to Develop for Self Storage Entrepeneurs
Practice One: Specialize…Don’t Diversify The investment world tells us to diversify, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I guess that’s good advice if you are a passive investor. However, I am very leery of “investment advisors,” who...
by Mark Helm | Jan 28, 2022 | Back to Basics Series 2021-2022
I believe that getting in self storage is no different than anything else in life. Those who are successful today at getting in or growing their business are those who will take action. The specific knowledge and actions required in self storage may be different from...
by Mark Helm | Jan 21, 2022 | Buy Self Storage
Let me introduce you to Fred (not his real name). When we connected on a phone call to see if the Bootcamp training was right for him, he had a residential real estate background. He owned a residential real estate brokerage company and a few residential investment...
by Mark Helm | Jan 15, 2022 | Back to Basics Series 2021-2022, Buy Self Storage
Let me introduce you to Jim (not his real name). When Jim and I connected, he had invested in houses and apartments, had had some success, but thought self storage would be a better use of his time. He wanted to get away from all the management issues involved in...
by Mark Helm | Jan 7, 2022 | Back to Basics Series 2021-2022, Buy Self Storage
Over the past few years, a lot has changed in the self storage industry. As a small investor, what we are doing now to get in or grow our business is very different from a few years ago. I thought I would start 2022 off with a Back To The Basics series, showing the...
by Mark Helm | Dec 31, 2021 | Buy Self Storage
This is the fifth and final m in a series of episodes exploring the world of raising investment capital for those of you wanting to use other people’s money to get in and grow your self storage business. In Episode 316, we had a quick look into who “investors” are,...
by Mark Helm | Dec 17, 2021 | Buy Self Storage
This is the fourth in a series of episodes exploring the world of raising investment capital for those of you wanting to use other people’s money to get in and grow your self storage business. In Episode 316, we had a quick look into who “investors” are, what they...
by Mark Helm | Dec 10, 2021 | Buy Self Storage
This is the third in a series of episodes exploring the world of raising investment capital for those of you wanting to use other people’s money to get in and grow your self storage business. In Episode 316, we had a quick look into who “investors” are, what they...
by Mark Helm | Dec 4, 2021 | Buy Self Storage, Raising Money for Self Storage Series
This is the second in a series of episodes exploring the world of raising investment capital for those of you wanting to use other people’s money to get in and grow your self storage business. Last week we had a quick look into who “investors” are and what they...
by Mark Helm | Nov 20, 2021 | Raising Money for Self Storage Series
In the next few episodes, I will go into a little more detail than I have in the past about how we have raised investment dollars to buy self storage. I do not consider myself an expert, and I am just sharing what I/we have done. Always have a good attorney who is...
by Mark Helm | Nov 12, 2021 | Financial Analysis of Self Storage
My cost of capital is one of the metrics I use today when buying self storage. I have said this before and don’t think any idea I have ever discussed has caused more head-scratching. First of all, many don’t understand the concept and at the same time,...
by Mark Helm | Nov 5, 2021 | Buy Self Storage
Today, it is more critical than ever to make sure a trade area is healthy and ripe for self storage as you are considering buying, building, converti9ng, or expanding in a particular trade area. It has always been important, but never more than today. So, when I say...
by Mark Helm | Oct 29, 2021 | Buy Self Storage
Over the past few years, I have been questioning if the standard measure we all use, how many square feet of self storage per person exists in a given trade area, is the best measure to determine the supply/demand of that trade area. What I am noticing is that in many...
by Mark Helm | Oct 22, 2021 | Buy Self Storage
It’s that time of year. It’s time to begin creating your 2022 self storage operating budget. I want to take a slightly different approach than most people. There are a lot of good articles out there on how to create a budget. I would rather focus on a couple of...
by Mark Helm | Oct 15, 2021 | Buy Self Storage
I recently was on a panel discussion at the SIN Summit (Self Storage Investor Nation). One of the panel members was talking about Beginning With the End In Mind when it came to getting in (or growing) your self storage business. I did an entire series on how I use the...
by Mark Helm | Oct 8, 2021 | Buy Self Storage
As a small investor, are you sometimes wondering how in the world you can compete with all the bigger players buying up storage facilities in the market today? Just look at this random screen shop from the ISS website. I in no way organized it. This is just what...
