308. How to Run a Small Self Storage Facility (and Automate It!)

Investing in small self storage facilities is how almost everyone gets started. It’s where we began investing and probably where you did (or will), too. But sometimes small is a little too small. With too few doors, your expenses can quickly outweigh your revenue. Too big and you need to hire a manager. What’s the “sweet spot” in square footage that makes a great beginner self storage investment that’s easy to automate? We’re sharing it today.

Did you know that, even after investing hundreds of millions in self-storage, we still buy small facilities? It’s true. But, because we own so many, we know the pitfalls of running one, and how to automate it so you can work less—without hiring a full-time manager. How much do these facilities usually cost? What’s their profit and expense ratios? And what tech do we use to let customers rent without a single interaction from us?

If you’re about to buy, or currently own, a small self storage facility, this is your guide to running it right. Plus, if you’re a new investor, we have some cash flow tips that could save you when onboarding a new facility and all those expenses hit you at once—while you’re also chasing down rent payments. This could save your sanity next time you buy a small facility!

What you’ll learn in today’s show:

• The square footage “sweet spot” that is big enough to profit but small enough to automate 


• Why you should always (ALWAYS) look into a line of credit before closing on a facility 


• The different types of hidden costs you’ll incur once you buy a self storage facility 


• How small is too small (it’s NOT worth the investment)


• The actual expense ratio of a small self storage facility (it’s not what you think) 

 Get my FREE self storage starter pack to learn how to analyze, underwrite, and operate your next storage investment: https://www.selfstorageincome.com/start-podcast 

🌳 Work with someone experienced in self storage loans at Live Oak Bank! https://www.liveoakbank.com/business-loans/self-storage/ 

🎙️ Do you have a great story to share on the SSI or AJ Osborne podcasts? You can now apply here! https://form.asana.com/?k=TGU88eU0bFTFW1iHcckuTA&d=1203571084143207

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