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Self Storage Investing

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This is the Self Storage Investing podcast, where we share the knowledge and skills from the industry’s leading investors, developers, and operators to help you launch and grow your self-storage investing business. What made them a success? Built...

Location:

Canada

Description:

This is the Self Storage Investing podcast, where we share the knowledge and skills from the industry’s leading investors, developers, and operators to help you launch and grow your self-storage investing business. What made them a success? Built their wealth? What was their mindset and mentality as they entered the space and found room for business growth? Led by podcast host Scott Meyers, the ORIGINAL SELF STORAGE EXPERT, we have a track record spanning two decades having successfully acquired, converted, developed, and syndicated over 4 1/2 million square feet of self-storage properties nationwide. Discover the secrets to building wealth and creating a thriving business mindset through our insightful episodes with leading experts. We delve into topics such as navigating recessions and market crashes, as well as the lucrative world of real estate investing through self storage. Join us as we explore strategies, tactics and insider tips that will propel your self storage investing journey toward prosperity. Get ready to unlock the potential of this lucrative (recession-proof) industry and embark on a path to financial freedom.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Is Solar-Powered RV Storage the Best Investment Strategy Right Now?

4/27/2026
Send us Fan Mail What if you could cut your project cost in half on day one…before a single tenant moves in? Scott Meyers sits down with developer and investor Chris Koenig to pull back the curtain on one of the most compelling niches within self-storage investing: solar-powered covered RV and boat storage. Chris has built multiple facilities across California, including a 400-unit, 200,000-square-foot Pittsburgh, California project that generates approximately $120,000 in NOI per month, plus an additional $300,000 per month selling power back to PG&E. With $80 million of real estate currently under construction and a bold new venture into private vaults and safe deposit boxes, Chris reveals the dual-revenue model, the tax credit math, the site selection rules investors miss, and why this niche is one of the stickiest asset classes in all of self-storage. If you're looking for self-storage investment strategies that create real arbitrage at the capital stack level, this episode is essential listening right now. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 6:20 How does the solar tax credit structure turn a $20 million self-storage project into a $10 million one? 10:10 What does the true ROI on solar look like for self-storage investors who run the numbers correctly? 14:32 How should investors think about site selection for covered RV and boat storage versus traditional self-storage? 24:32 Is the solar-powered RV boat storage business model sustainable through 2026 and beyond? 29:23 What is the private vault and safe deposit box opportunity that most self-storage investors are completely missing? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT GUEST: CHRIS KOENIG, MANAGING MEMBER | KINGSLAND COMPANIES LLC Website | LinkedIn | Email CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram White Label Storage helps self-storage owners manage their facilities like a performance business, not a guessing game. Using facility-level data and custom technology tools, the team drives smarter pricing, marketing, and operational decisions with no gut-based revenue management. Website | LinkedIn (410) 693-5166

Duration:00:43:37

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The Asset Class Next Door: Is Small Bay Flex the New Self-Storage?

4/20/2026
Send us Fan Mail Could the next frontier of commercial real estate investing be hiding right next to the self-storage facilities you already know? Scott Meyers welcomes Cody Payne, a small bay flex space specialist, investment sales broker, and founder of FlexParks USA, for a candid conversation about one of the fastest-growing asset classes in commercial real estate. With 20 years in the industry and a team specializing exclusively in small bay industrial leasing and investment sales across the US and Canada, Cody pulls back the curtain on what FlexParks really are, who's in them, what's driving demand, and why self-storage investors are uniquely positioned to capitalize. If you're already in self-storage and thinking about diversification, this episode delivers the blueprint. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 3:03 What is small bay flex space and how does it differ from traditional self-storage? 6:14 What is really driving the explosive demand for flex park space right now? 13:45 What are the most common mistakes new flex park owners make during development and operations? 18:31 What does an ideal flex park site look like and how do you identify the right unit mix? 23:58 How can self-storage investors get started in small bay flex and what resources does Cody Payne offer? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT GUEST: CODY PAYNE, FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER OF FLEX PARKS USA Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Flex Space Domination Book CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify. White Label Storage helps self-storage owners grow revenue, improve operations, and scale more efficiently with a tech-enabled management approach. The team supports key parts of the business, including facility operations, marketing, and customer experience, giving owners a stronger platform for growth. Website | LinkedIn (410) 693-5166

Duration:00:28:09

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REPLAY - Time Is Money: Mastering Self-Storage Deals

4/13/2026
Send us Fan Mail Ready to fast-track your self-storage success? In this episode, Scott launches a 30-day Letter of Intent (LOI) challenge with his Self Storage Mastery students, aiming to have each participant secure a property within a month. He dives into the essential strategies for finding and evaluating deals, mastering time management, and avoiding common pitfalls that can slow down your progress. If you’re serious about growing your self-storage portfolio, Scott’s insights on prioritizing tasks and executing a proven marketing funnel will get you there. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 2:29 Speed and the Self-Storage Market: Why Timing Matters 6:44 How a 30-Day Time Audit Can Transform Your Business 16:07 Networking in Your Market: Why It Pays to Be Direct 21:46 Scott’s Favorite Deal-Finding Techniques Leave a rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify. White Label Storage helps self-storage owners grow revenue, improve operations, and scale more efficiently with a tech-enabled management approach. The team supports key parts of the business, including facility operations, marketing, and customer experience, giving owners a stronger platform for growth. Website | LinkedIn (410) 693-5166

Duration:00:27:09

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The Commercial Storage Opportunity Most Investors Don't Even Know Exists

4/6/2026
Send us Fan Mail Is the commercial storage industry sitting on one of the most overlooked investment opportunities in real estate right now? Scott Meyers pulls back the curtain on the full commercial storage landscape… and the picture is far bigger than most investors realize. Drawing on 21 years of experience and 29,000 units across five million square feet, Scott delivers a data-driven breakdown of where the self-storage market stands today, what the transaction environment is telling disciplined investors, and why adjacent sectors like boat and RV storage, industrial outdoor storage, aviation, and storage condominiums represent some of the most compelling self-storage investment strategies available in 2026. This episode is a must-listen for any investor serious about deploying capital into needs-based, recession-resistant assets before the window closes. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 5:11 Is national self-storage occupancy data giving investors a false picture of the market? 8:00 Why has the era of building self-storage anywhere and printing money officially ended? 8:44 What does the supply and demand crisis in boat and RV storage mean for investors right now? 12:25 How does industrial outdoor storage compare to traditional industrial real estate in 2026? 16:20 What is the single thread connecting every commercial storage sector Scott covers today? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Duration:00:20:28

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REPLAY - Attracting Passive Self-Storage Investors

3/30/2026
Send us Fan Mail This is a REPLAY of an episode first published in January 2025. Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click How do you scale your self-storage business without risking your investors' trust? Scott dives into the art and science of raising private equity, sharing his proven strategies for crafting compelling investment offerings, building trust with equity partners, and creating systems that support sustainable growth. Learn how to attract the right investors, structure deals effectively, and deliver returns that keep your business ahead of the pack. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 2:14 Crafting Compelling Offers: Storytelling with Data 9:37 The Key Metrics Investors Want to See 17:38 Networking 101: Finding Your Ideal Investors 26:20 Skin in the Game: Why It Matters to Investors CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify. White Label Storage helps self-storage owners manage their facilities like a performance business, not a guessing game. Using facility-level data and custom technology tools, the team drives smarter pricing, marketing, and operational decisions with no gut-based revenue management. Website | LinkedIn (410) 693-5166

Duration:00:32:52

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Why Sundae Is the Marketplace Self-Storage Investors Need

3/23/2026
Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest problem in real estate is not money but finding the deal? Scott Meyers sits down with Josh Stech to unpack his journey from flipping homes to building one of the largest private lending platforms in the country and now disrupting off market real estate through his company, Sundae. Josh shares how the industry shifted from a lack of capital to a lack of inventory and how Sundae is solving that problem by creating a transparent, competitive marketplace for sellers and investors alike. From scaling a billion-dollar lending business to raising over $100 million for a new venture, he reveals the importance of staying mission driven, building trust with sellers, and resisting shortcuts for quick profit. The conversation also dives into the future of real estate, industry consolidation, and how entrepreneurs can partner with Sundae to scale faster. Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 1:07 How did Josh Stech go from Stanford grad to building the nation's largest private lender? 3:27 How does Sundae's competitive marketplace model benefit both sellers and investors? 9:52 What kind of experienced operator does Sundae want as a franchise partner? 14:33 What does Sundae's growth look like across every major US city in five years? 26:20 What is the one piece of advice Josh Stech says every investor needs to hear? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: JOSH STECH, CEO | CO-FOUNDER AT SUNDAE Website | YouTube | Facebook| Instagram | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify. White Label Storage helps self-storage owners grow revenue, improve operations, and scale more efficiently with a tech-enabled management approach. The team supports key parts of the business, including facility operations, marketing, and customer experience, giving owners a stronger platform for growth. Website | LinkedIn (410) 693-5166

Duration:00:29:40

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How Ordinary Investors Built Extraordinary Wealth in Self-Storage

3/16/2026
Send a text What does it actually look like to walk away from a successful career and bet everything on self-storage…and win? Joe Downs sits down with Christin and Rod Blunk, a husband-and-wife team who completed over 450 residential real estate transactions before pivoting to self-storage in 2020. Fueled by a health crisis that revealed the fragility of active income, they got educated through the Self-Storage Academy, bought their first facility in Kentucky for $330,000, and have since grown it to nearly $800,000 in value…while cash flowing $20,000 a year net. Their second acquisition, purchased for $430,000, is now worth $1–$1.1 million. Today, they own multiple facilities, hold LP positions, and are raising capital. This is one of the most powerful W2-to-self-storage investing stories in the space. Listen For: 6:19 Why did Christin and Rod Blunk leave residential real estate for self-storage investing? 14:19 How did the Blunks buy their first self-storage facility for less than a single-family home? 17:04 How did driving for dollars lead to a $430,000 self-storage deal worth over $1 million today? 23:33 How did Christin and Rod go from students at the mastermind to raising capital from investors? 30:34 What advice do Christin and Rod Blunk have for investors sitting on the fence about self-storage? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: ROD & CHRISTIN BLUNK Warriors 2 Wealth Website | Warriors 2 Wealth YouTube | Christin's Instagram | Christin's LinkedIn | Rod's LinkedIn | Rod’s Instagram CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify. Attend the LAST Self Storage Academy of 2026 A 3-Day Live Implementation Event for Investors Ready to Execute https://selfstorageacademy.com/https://selfstorageacademy.com/

Duration:00:33:38

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How Ordinary Investors Built Extraordinary Wealth in Self-Storage

3/10/2026
Send a text What does it actually look like to walk away from a successful career and bet everything on self-storage…and win? Joe Downs sits down with Christin and Rod Blunk, a husband-and-wife team who completed over 450 residential real estate transactions before pivoting to self-storage in 2020. Fueled by a health crisis that revealed the fragility of active income, they got educated through the Self-Storage Academy, bought their first facility in Kentucky for $330,000, and have since grown it to nearly $800,000 in value…while cash flowing $20,000 a year net. Their second acquisition, purchased for $430,000, is now worth $1–$1.1 million. Today, they own multiple facilities, hold LP positions, and are raising capital. This is one of the most powerful W2-to-self-storage investing stories in the space. Listen For: 6:19 Why did Christin and Rod Blunk leave residential real estate for self-storage investing? 14:19 How did the Blunks buy their first self-storage facility for less than a single-family home? 17:04 How did driving for dollars lead to a $430,000 self-storage deal worth over $1 million today? 23:33 How did Christin and Rod go from students at the mastermind to raising capital from investors? 30:34 What advice do Christin and Rod Blunk have for investors sitting on the fence about self-storage? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: ROD & CHRISTIN BLUNK Warriors 2 Wealth Website | Warriors 2 Wealth YouTube | Christin's Instagram | Christin's LinkedIn | Rod's LinkedIn | Rod’s Instagram CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify. Attend the LAST Self Storage Academy of 2026 A 3-Day Live Implementation Event for Investors Ready to Execute https://selfstorageacademy.com/https://selfstorageacademy.com/

Duration:00:38:30

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What the Iran Conflict Means for Self-Storage Investors

3/9/2026
Send a text When a U.S.-Israel military operation launches against Iran and the Strait of Hormuz hangs in the balance, what does that mean for your self-storage portfolio? Scott Meyers cuts through the noise of the Iran conflict to deliver the practical, market-savvy analysis self-storage investors need right now. Scott unpacks Operation Epic Fury's immediate impact on oil prices, interest rates, inflation, and real estate markets then makes the data-backed case for why self-storage remains uniquely positioned to weather the storm. From the four D's of demand to month-to-month lease flexibility and a 190-basis-point outperformance over inflation from 2008 to 2024, Scott gives investors a clear-eyed picture of what's happening, what it means, and exactly what to do next. Listen For: 2:44 What is Operation Epic Fury and why does it matter to self-storage investors right now? 6:16 How did oil prices, treasury yields, and stock markets react the moment the Iran conflict began? 13:59 How does the conflict in Iran directly affect the real estate market and self-storage construction costs? 27:51 What opportunities does the current interest rate environment create for self-storage buyers with dry powder? 32:28 What is Scott Meyers' practical playbook for self-storage investors navigating this market uncertainty? CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify. Attend the LAST Self Storage Academy of 2026 A 3-Day Live Implementation Event for Investors Ready to Execute https://selfstorageacademy.com/https://selfstorageacademy.com/

Duration:00:41:34

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The AI Competitive Advantage for Self-Storage Operators | Peter Smyth

3/2/2026
Send a text Is AI quietly becoming the most powerful competitive advantage in self-storage operations and are most operators already behind? Meyers sits down with Peter Smyth of White Label Storage, fresh off an industry panel on AI and self-storage at the Florida show. Peter breaks down how operators at every level, from single-facility owners to large portfolio managers, should be thinking about AI: not as a tech project, but as a gap-filling leverage tool. From agentic call centers handling 30,000 calls a month to automated gate testing and sentiment-driven review outreach, Peter shares what's actually working in the field. He also weighs in on market transaction volume, the maturation of the asset class, and the consumer complaint environment now threatening rent control. If you're a self-storage investor trying to run leaner, smarter operations in 2026, this episode delivers the inside view. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 1:18 How should self-storage operators actually think about AI before buying any tools? 4:18 What does White Label Storage's 30,000 monthly calls reveal about AI's real value? 11:28 What are the quickest AI wins a self-storage operator can implement right now? 18:12 Why is the Extra Space lawsuit a warning sign for every self-storage investor in 2026? 23:48 Is the self-storage market setting up for more transaction volume and opportunity in 2026? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: PETER SMYTH Website | LinkedIn | Email | You Tube | Facebook | X CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify. Attend the LAST Self Storage Academy of 2026 A 3-Day Live Implementation Event for Investors Ready to Execute https://selfstorageacademy.com/https://selfstorageacademy.com/

Duration:00:37:09

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You Probably Qualify for More Than You Think | Anne Mino

2/23/2026
Send a text What if the most powerful financing tool in self-storage has been hiding in plain sight…dismissed, misunderstood, and underutilized by the very investors who need it most? Joe Downs sits down with Anne Mino, Senior Loan Officer at Live Oak Bank, the #1 SBA lender in the country by dollar volume for self-storage loans, to pull back the curtain on what SBA financing can actually do for self-storage investors. Anne reveals how a borrower earning $80,000 a year could qualify for a $1 million acquisition, why no prior self-storage experience is required, and how strategic use of SBA loans can turn $300,000 into a multi-property portfolio. If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the perfect deal or the perfect balance sheet…this episode is your wake-up call. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 3:46 Can a first-time self-storage investor with no experience actually qualify for an SBA loan? 11:03 Could someone earning $80,000 a year qualify for a $1 million self-storage acquisition? 19:08 How can SBA financing help investors buy and expand a self-storage facility at the same time? 23:41 How do experienced investors use SBA loans to build a self-storage portfolio faster? 28:21 Does SBA lending really take six months to close a self-storage deal? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: ANNE MINO, SENIOR LOAN OFFICER AT LIVE OAK BANK, SELF STORAGE DIVISION Live Oak Bank | LinkedIn | Email | 910.550.2297 CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn

Duration:00:36:08

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A Broker’s Warning to First-Time Self-Storage Investors

2/16/2026
Send a text Is the self storage market finally catching a tailwind again? Joe Downs sits down with broker Matthew Rosendale of Lindsey Self Storage Group to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes from $345,000 “Crapper King” deals to $90 million institutional transactions. Matt shares how 2025 exceeded expectations for his team, why early 2026 is flashing green flags, and how Fed rate cuts and slowing new development could spark occupancy growth. They dive deep into seller psychology post-2021 peak pricing, whether expectations have finally reset, and why first-time buyers consistently miss the mark by chasing the “perfect deal.” From underwriting mistakes to supply pipeline blind spots and management cost realities, this conversation is a tactical, no-fluff look at what separates serious operators from stuck dreamers…and why taking action now might matter more than timing the cycle. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 3:18 What can a $345,000 deal teach you that a $90 million deal can’t? 9:25 Have sellers truly adjusted from 2021 peak pricing expectations? 19:29 Why do first-time buyers miss great deals chasing the “perfect” one? 29:59 What’s the one action new investors must take to land their first deal? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: MATTHEW ROSENDALE, BROKER AT LINDSEY SELF STORAGE GROUP Website | LinkedIn | Email | 484-695-0872 CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Duration:00:33:35

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$325K Below Ask on Self Storage Deal #1

2/9/2026
Send us a text Your first self-storage deal doesn’t have to be perfect… it just has to get done. In this episode, Joe Downs sits down with Dr. Jeff Richardson, a full-time veterinarian who closed his very first self-storage acquisition while still working 30–40 hours a week in his practice. Jeff walks through his journey from feeling intimidated by his first deal to becoming informed enough to negotiate with confidence, assemble the right team, and ultimately close Canton Self Storage at $1.875M. $325K below list price. From underwriting paralysis and hesitant LOIs to due diligence surprises involving termites and a hidden residential tenant, Jeff shares the real lessons that no textbook can teach. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 2:19 How did a full-time veterinarian break into self storage? 9:16 Why did self storage win over every other asset class? 21:19 How do you know when a deal is overpriced—and when to offer? 24:54 How did due diligence surprises lead to a lower price? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click GUEST DR. JEFF RICHARDSON CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Duration:00:35:21

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Sometimes the Best Deal is the One You Don’t Do

2/2/2026
Send us a text In this episode, Joe Downs flips the usual success-story script and dives into the close calls. The near-deals that, if closed, could’ve spelled financial disaster. Joined by VP of Acquisitions and lead mentor Jack Pezzino, they walk through four real-life stories from students in the Self Storage Academy who dodged costly bullets, from overvalued properties with shaky tenant bases to sketchy sellers and hidden tax time bombs. Each example offers a masterclass in why due diligence, data validation, and strong mentorship matter in the self-storage investing game. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 02:59 What if one tenant makes up 25% of your revenue? 10:30 How does a signed deal turn into a legal nightmare? 16:50 Can a tax reassessment blow up your entire deal? 23:09 What are the red flags of a shady seller? 28:10 Why do first-time investors need mastermind support? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: JACK PEZZINO, VP OF ACQUISITIONS BELROSE STORAGE GROUP Website | LinkedIn JOE DOWNS, CEO BELROSE STORAGE GROUP LinkedIn | Website CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Duration:00:29:39

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The New Self Storage Asset Classes You're Probably Missing

1/26/2026
Send us a text The best investors don’t wait for the market…they build for what’s next. Scott Meyers, usually behind the mic, becomes the guest as Joe Downs flips the script. Together, they explore the future of self-storage in 2026 and beyond, revealing why a subtle industry shift is actually a massive expansion into untapped opportunities like Boat & RV storage, industrial outdoor storage (IOS), flex space, and more. With decades of experience and a visionary approach, Scott opens up about how the Self-Storage Mastermind is evolving into a hub for all things “storage”… and how this evolution is unlocking exponential growth for entrepreneurs. It’s a conversation about cycles, capital, and community…and how now might just be the biggest land grab opportunity of a lifetime. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 1:46 What does 2026 look like for self-storage investors? 5:35 Why are developers bullish now if things are just “okay”? 8:24 Is the Mastermind shifting away from just self-storage? 13:58 How many types of storage are there, really? 25:41 What’s changing in the Mastermind for 2026? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Duration:00:34:41

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How to Avoid the Mistakes That Cost Investors Millions

1/19/2026
Send us a text What if one buried document could cost… or save…you millions? Joe Downs sits down with real estate attorney Jason Mandel to unravel the nerve-wracking tale of a nearly disastrous storage facility acquisition, dubbed “The Storage Attic.” With only minutes left in the due diligence period, Joe discovered the property was four feet underwater in a flood zone… not the two feet the 87-year-old seller claimed. The insurance premium? A jaw-dropping jump from $12,000 to $81,000 a year. Jason reveals how quick legal thinking and strategic contract clauses narrowly saved the deal… and Joe’s investment. They also dig into other cautionary case studies from students, exposing pitfalls like outdated broker forms and zoning blind spots. This episode proves that specialized legal expertise isn’t a luxury… it’s your lifeline in self-storage investing. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR :13 What happens when a deal looks perfect but hides a fatal flaw 3:12 How did a delayed survey nearly cost millions 6:45 What legal options exist when due diligence runs out 9:47 Why are standard broker contracts dangerous for buyers 25:56 How can zoning issues destroy a deal after closing Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: JASON MANDEL, REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY/PARTNER AT ROYER COOPER COHEN BRAUNFELD LLC LinkedIn | Website | Email | Bio CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Duration:00:35:47

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Why Smart Investors Are Going All In on RV Storage

1/12/2026
Send us a text What if you could invest in storage with 20-to-1 demand advantage, higher revenue per square foot, and almost zero REIT competition…but 95% of investors don't even know it exists? Joe Downs reveals the explosive boat and RV storage opportunity that's hiding in plain sight, with expert Sydnie Wilda from The Storage Manager exposing exactly why this overlooked sector could be your most profitable move in 2026. From the shocking supply-demand imbalance (600,000 new boats and RVs delivered annually vs. only 25,000-30,000 new parking spots) to the operational secrets that separate winners from amateurs, this episode delivers the blueprint for capitalizing on America's outdoor recreation boom before the big players wake up. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 3:19 What makes boat and RV tenants completely different from traditional storage customers? 12:18 Why is a 60-foot drive aisle the difference between profit and disaster? 18:30 How do you "idiot-proof" your facility design to prevent fence demolition? 24:31 What is the "peak-end experience" and why does it multiply your tenant retention? 27:53 Should you build a boat and RV facility on your vacant land? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: SYDNIE WILDA, OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST | SSA YOUNG LEADERS GROUP SENATOR | MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE LEADER LinkedIn | Website | Email CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Joe Downs on LinkedIn Belrose website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Duration:00:35:50

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How We Bought a Self Storage Facility Without a Bank Loan

1/5/2026
Send us a text How do you buy a self-storage facility when interest rates are climbing and banks are tightening up? In this episode of the Self Storage Investing Podcast, host Joe Downs welcomes Belrose Group’s VP of Acquisitions, Jack Pezzino, for a conversation into how they pulled off a real-world self-storage acquisition using seller financing. Together, they break down their purchase of a 60,000+ sq. ft. "pro storage" facility in Wilmington, North Carolina, highlighting how they structured the deal, navigated tough lending conditions, and ultimately created a win-win for both buyer and seller. From interest-only terms to leveraging extra land, they reveal the key negotiation tactics, risks to watch for, and the incredible upside seller financing can offer when done right. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR :54 How did Belrose use seller financing to acquire M2 Maxi? 5:08 Why didn’t traditional financing work in this deal? 9:05 What really mattered most to the seller, price or cash flow? 12:50 How do you create a win-win in seller financing deals? 17:48 What are the biggest benefits of custom deal terms? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: JACK PEZZINO, VP OF ACQUISITIONS BELROSE STORAGE GROUP Website | LinkedIn JOE DOWNS, CEO BELROSE STORAGE GROUP LinkedIn | Website | Belrose email | Belrose LinkedIn CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Duration:00:30:11

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The Expansion Deal that Almost Broke Us

12/29/2025
Send us a text What if your “can’t-miss” real estate deal missed… hard? In this episode of the Self Storage Investing Podcast, guest host Joe Downs and Bellrose Storage Group partner Tim Kane share their first-ever expansion project; a textbook-perfect deal that was derailed by unforeseen pitfalls, a global pandemic, and shifting market dynamics. From zoning setbacks to COVID-related delays and the gut punch of rising interest rates, Tim and Joe walk us through the raw, honest journey of a project that went sideways, and what they learned to come out stronger. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 3:25 Why did this expansion project look like a guaranteed win? 6:03 How did a narrow lot design derail our entire construction timeline? 9:50 What curveball forced us to use portable units mid-project? 15:05 How did we recover when the market shifted against us? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click CONNECT WITH GUEST: TIM KANE, BELROSE Email | Website | Storpro website (240) 304-8578 CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram

Duration:00:25:33

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Self-Storage for Blue-Collar Entrepreneurs

12/22/2025
Send us a text From blue-collar grind to buying storage facilities, Kevin Stearns isn’t your typical investor, and that’s exactly the point. Joe Downs talks with Kevin, a former oil rig worker and dumpster rental operator who in just six months, went from learning the ropes to closing his first deal No fancy degree, no investor pedigree. Just drive, curiosity, and mentorship. Hear how Kevin went from heavy labor to passive income, why he sold his rentals, and how he’s now on his second deal with eyes on full-time storage domination. For anyone who wonders, “Can I actually do this?” Spoiler alert: Kevin’s journey says YES. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 3:53 Why did he sell multifamily rentals for a dumpster business? 6:27 What made self-storage the “right” business? 12:44 How did Kevin find his first self-storage deal? 23:23 What’s the biggest lesson after owning a facility for 3 months? Leave a positive rating for this podcast with one click Connect with guest: Kevin Stearns, Owner | CEO | Real Estate Investor at STEARNS INVESTMENTS, LLC Website | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH US Website | You Tube | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram Follow so you never miss a NEW episode! Leave us an honest rating and review on Apple or Spotify.

Duration:00:29:29