Creating Wealth Through Self Storage

In this episode, 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. A lot of things are changing in the economy and the self-storage industry itself. This will be a very timely and important time to hold a bootcamp. Let’s go over the five main reasons you should consider being...

In my world of self-storage acquisition, there are two big 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. Let’s talk about some effective ways to get these costs down today. Video link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULWjkI-Bxu0 March 8th & 9th, 2024 Quick Start Academy...

In the world of self-storage investments, capitalization rates, or CAP rates, are more widely discussed and understood. You certainly will never see one in an offering memorandum. Let’s talk about what they really are, how I suggest using them today, and their role in my suggested process for determining what you can pay for an existing self storage facility. Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/w...

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 might discuss my thoughts on negotiating and controlling a potential storage deal. Let me share my ideas on good negotiating and one pow...

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 might discuss my thoughts on negotiating and controlling a potential storage deal. Let me share my ideas on good negotiating and one pow...

Lets take a look at a video I did on how to analyze Conversion in Episode 211. Conversions are a great way to get in 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 together at my past self, and my current self will share what is different today and what numbers I am currently using. And like last week when we...

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 in 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 together at my past self, and my current self will share what is different today and what numbers I am currently...

Let’s use to use Jan. of 2024 as a back to the basics on how to get in 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 made some real mistakes here in the past. I think there are four main elements that make a great self-storage site for development. Let me share them with you. **Online Courses at...

As I write this in Jan 2024, I get asked a lot “What and where are the best self-storage opportunities today.” If you are a small investor or new to the space, let me share with you what and where I am focused on today, given the current realities. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creat...

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 it with you. Before I create any new goals, I want to make sure nothing that can slow down or interfere my success is being brought...

A quick holiday message for you and wishing you a Happy Holiday season from Mark Helm. Let’s make 2024 one for the books. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-through-self-storage/id1588425875 **5 KPIs we measure** https://creatingwealththroughselfstorage.lpages.co/top-5-kpi...

This year has been an interesting one for many of us small investors in the self-storage space. Let me share some of my challenges with you, but more importantly, a way to create the following year for you in the self-storage space. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-throu...

Four hundred episodes over eight years. Here is what it looks (or sounds) like. The numbers change. The people change. But do the fundamentals remain the same? Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IseSapYfcJA

How To Create A Successful Self-Storage Business Many of us get into self-storage because we are looking for freedom. Both financially and with the freedom to manage our time as we see fit. And yet, we are often even busier than ever before. But if we are not careful, one day, we wake up and wonder why we are not anxious to get up and “run” our business. Let me share a couple of things I wish I ha...

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 effective rental rates. Let’s look at how that affects small self-storage investors like us and a few solutions. **Onli...

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. Let’s look at a few scenarios. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-through-self-storage/id1588425875 **5 KPIs w...

Let’s talk about property insurance. I don’t think many of us are prepared for the premium increases we are going to see over the next few years. The days of predictable, marginal increases are behind us; in fact, we’re now entering an era where insurance costs could skyrocket by as much as 10% to 20% annually, if not more. Let’s discuss how this could impact your underwriting and project pe...

“Is now the time to get in self storage?” I get asked that multiple times a week. Let me give you my opinion today. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-through-self-storage/id1588425875 **5 KPIs we measure** https://creatingwealththroughselfstorage.lpages.co/top-5-kpi-ebook...

Let me share a case study of how a deal was done in tough economic times. I offer this not as “here is how to do deals, or here are some tips or techniques to use.” I offer this case study example to motivate you to ask different questions. It is the questions we ask ourselves that are the most important part of using create alternatives. But I am also sure you may learn a thing or two about solut...

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. Let me share with you what it is and my recommendations today as we hunt for the net deal. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us...

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. Let me share with you what it is and my recommendations today as we hunt for the net deal. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us...

Interest rates are going up! No… They’re flattening out and going down. No, wait… They are going up again. What is a small self-storage person to do? How can we navigate these strange and choppy waters? Let me share with you how I am doing it. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crea...

Let me share with you an idea I got as I was working with a person I coach. It is a strategy you can deploy to come in right under the nose of the larger self storage projects in development and lease up all around you. I think this is one most of us can deploy. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us...

Yes, I have a self-storage 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. Let’s take a different kind of look at using managers in self-storage in the age of automation. Video link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJKdzuXLB1Y

Yes, I see 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 distressed because of fundamental reasons going on in the trade area that you can’t solve.” I don’t say that anymore. It just looks very diffe...