Why I Finally Took the Leap
My husband and I had been talking about investing in self storage for years, but the timing never felt right—or we simply let other priorities take over. This year, we decided it was finally time to prioritize buying a self storage facility.
This post kicks off the first of many updates I’ll be sharing as I document my self storage investing journey—the wins, the setbacks, the numbers, and the lessons. Attending my first self storage conference was a huge step, and I walked away with clarity, motivation, and a stronger belief in this industry’s potential.
The biggest takeaway? Never underestimate the power of being surrounded by like-minded people. When you see others in your shoes taking action, you feel inspired to do the same.
First Impressions: Stepping Into the Industry
I’ll be honest—I was nervous walking into the conference. I tend to feel uncomfortable around strangers, but I forced myself to smile, stay open, and not hide in a corner. The energy in the room was contagious: warm, welcoming, and buzzing with possibility.
The crowd was diverse—plenty of newbies like me, a good number of investors, a handful of operators, plus vendors and sponsors. The mix made it clear: self storage investing is accessible at many levels. Still, the sheer amount of information presented was overwhelming at first.
What I Learned From the Sessions
The conference covered key topics that every beginner should understand:
- Market research and how to evaluate locations.
- Financing options, including SBA loans for self storage.
- Market trends and why now is actually a strong time to buy.
- Operations and automation tools that make facilities easier to manage.
One insight that really stuck with me: properties with mixed-use purposes (traditional storage plus RV or boat storage) can open multiple revenue streams. That was an eye-opener for my buy-box criteria.
Most importantly, the sessions validated that self storage is not only a solid investment but also one that can be largely self-managed with today’s tech solutions.
Networking and Community
The casual conversations ended up being just as valuable as the sessions. A seasoned operator encouraged me to simply make a list of properties, visit them, and talk to people in the area—even baristas at local coffee shops. That’s how you truly get a feel for a facility’s market.
Another big piece of advice: don’t let fear hold you back. Your first facility doesn’t need to be perfect—it just has to fit your buy box. You’ll continue learning as you go.
I also realized how powerful it is to find a community that “gets it.” Having access to people who are ahead of me on this journey gives me support and confidence.
Surprises and Eye-Openers
Like many beginners, I had misconceptions going in. I thought I needed to know everything about self storage investing before even making an offer, or that I needed all the funds lined up. Not true.
I also assumed my future facility had to be fully automated. But in reality, boots on the ground for maintenance and landscaping often makes more sense.
Other surprises:
- The variety of tax strategies like cost segregation I hadn’t considered.
- The wave of tech innovations coming into the industry.
- Discovering that lenders like Live Oak Bank specialize in SBA loans for self storage—a huge resource for beginners like me.
How This Shapes My Next Steps
I left the conference energized and ready to act. My immediate next steps are:
- Defining my buy box.
- Actively analyzing deals.
- Visiting properties in person to get a feel for the market.
- Leveraging platforms like Crexi to submit Letters of Intent (LOIs).
With resources from organizations like Self Storage Investing (SSI)—podcasts, videos, forms, and community support—I feel confident in moving forward.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
If you’re considering going to your first self storage conference, here’s my advice:
- Mindset: Stay open and curious.
- Notes: Take photos and detailed notes—you’ll never remember everything otherwise.
- Networking: Talk to as many people as possible. Don’t wait for someone to approach you; introduce yourself first.
- Practical: Take multiple breaks during sessions. It’s a LOT of information.
And about the price tag: my ticket was around $1,500. It included four days of sessions, all meals, snacks, drinks, and even an evening party. For me, the cost was worth it—but only because I plan to take action. If you’re just casually curious, it may not be the best use of money.
My Biggest Win
My personal highlight was working up the courage to join a small group conversation with AJ Osborne, CEO of Cedar Creek Capital, founder of Self Storage Income, and the person behind the event. I was intimidated at first, but I pushed past it—and that moment alone made the trip worth it.
This conference is just the beginning. We’re setting our sights on acquiring 4–5 self storage facilities, aiming for about $20k/month in income. That’s the level of financial independence we want, and this event gave me the tools, knowledge, and confidence to pursue it.
Have you ever thought about investing in self storage facilities or attended a real estate investing conference? I’d love to hear your experiences.
