---
title: "Should you raise money for a self-storage deal from partners or investors?"
description: "**Short answer:** There are two main routes. Partners usually share ownership, votes and the loan, which reduces your own liability; Mark sees this as a good way to start. Investors hand over capital and step back, usually through a syndication,…"
url: "https://creatingwealththroughselfstorage.com/docs/partners-vs-investors-self-storage/"
updated: "2026-10-16"
category: "Financing & Raising Capital"
---

# Should you raise money for a self-storage deal from partners or investors?

**Short answer:** There are two main routes. Partners usually share ownership, votes and the loan, which reduces your own liability; Mark sees this as a good way to start. Investors hand over capital and step back, usually through a syndication, which takes more experience, legal structure and trust.

## Partners

- Everyone usually has the same type of ownership, with votes and cash flow tied to ownership percentage.
- All partners are usually on the loan, which reduces your personal debt exposure.
- You give up some control, so agree up front on goals: how long to hold, the exit, and each person’s role (including who handles tax filings and decisions).
- Look for people already building wealth through real estate: local investor groups, exchange groups, social media groups and your own network. Lead with your strengths, such as finding and underwriting deals or overseeing management.
- Have an attorney prepare an operating agreement, ideally in draft before you start those conversations.

## Investors

Investors give you their money and step back; you are responsible for the results. This is usually done as a syndication, with separate ownership classes for sponsors and investors, and investors typically aren’t on the loan. It requires a good securities attorney and following their guidance closely.

Mark still uses both approaches. He suggests first-time buyers, especially those with a limited track record, start with partners.

## Related answers

- [What makes a good investor or partner for a self-storage deal?](/docs/what-makes-a-good-self-storage-investor/)
- [How does a self-storage syndication work?](/docs/how-a-self-storage-syndication-works/)
- [How much money do you need to get into self-storage today, and how does debt coverage affect it?](/docs/how-much-money-to-start-self-storage/)

**Source:** Mark’s post [How to Raise Private Money for Your First Self-Storage Deal](/how-to-raise-private-money-for-your-first-self-storage-deal/)

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