Creating Wealth Through Self Storage

I was thinking the other day, asking myself the question, “If I could only do one more type of self-storage deal, what would it be?” The answer was right there…instantly. It was…. **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** ht...

Perhaps one of the best advantages of self-storage is the very few ongoing capital expenditures that are required. It is one of the main reasons I was initially attracted to this asset class. However, how does one plan for the capital expenses a project will have, and how much are they? Let’s discuss how I do it. Our goal is to never use operating cash flow to pay a capital expense. **Online Cours...

As many of you know, I helped start a small construction company in order to Resolve a problem I was having, construction cost being extremely high today. So far, we have been able to bring in projects 15% to 27% less than previous bids we received. We are also working for other small owners and developers as a third-party owner’s representative and/or general contractor helping them bring t...

I have said recently that it really takes something to buy self-storage or create a storage opportunity today. Usually it takes a lot of work. Yet, today, even with all of this being true for me, I am optimistic about the upcoming year. Why? Let me tell you why. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us...

Often, we deal directly with a seller when buying self-storage. Or often, with listed property, we see a shiny OM (offering memorandum) and everything looks great. Then we see the other due diligence documents, and the facility can lose some of its luster. I have often stated that I could look at a random daily “Management Report” and get a lot of information I need to generate an offer or start n...

The cost of capital is high today to do a Self-Storage or Boat & RV development today. Let’s look at a creative way to reduce this cost of capital and perhaps solve another problem for us smaller developers if we are using other people’s money and/or syndicating a deal today. Let me know your thoughts and other methods you may have used. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://The...

So, is the decade-long self-storage party over? Is self-storage still a good place for small investors to go in search of their dreams and goals? I’ll share what I think after contemplating the data from the big players after Q1-2024. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-thr...

Smitty is my partner in a self-storage company designed to take the small investor through the entitlement process for self-storage projects in an affordable way and then bid on the construction of the project in a competitive environment, ensuring clients get the best value possible. We feel this is a powerful way, in today’s high-cost environment, to give smaller players a competitive edge and h...

Self-Storage tends to attract lone wolves who want the freedom and independence this business can offer. But here’s the deal: no one can be successful by themselves. It takes a village. Or a team, in this case. Let’s discuss the basics of who I think are the players on your self-storage team if you are creating a self-storage project. I have the privilege of scaling a new company (Resolve) with a...

I had a few ah-ha 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 that I’ve heard a few times before, but this time, something happened. I had a revelation and could see it all. Let me share it with you. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** h...

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. In some future episodes, I will cover others in more detail. However, here are some higher view on some broader aspects of the self-storage space. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com...

Let’s talk about the physics of self-storage today. I finally figured out that REITs must have physicists on their payroll. Let’s look at how we can apply laws of physics, at both the Newtonian level and the Quantum level to our storage business. Enjoy. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/...

Over the years, I have worked with many 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. Let me share the big reasons I see investors fail. **Online Courses at The Quickstart Academy** https://TheQuickStartAcademy.com/ **Listen on Apple Podcasts** https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-wealth-thr...

There are two main organizations that 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. For people new to the storage space and small investors, I find the ISS very helpful. How the conventions are organized, the sessions offered, and what th...

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...