Best Self Storage University Podcasts (2025)

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The Correct Way To Renegotiate 8:14

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7d ago8:14

8:14

There is an art to renegotiation based on the science of what’s worked in the past. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the best methods to get what you want when renegotiating a contract.By Frank Rolfe

1
Ranking Sellers By Odds Of Success 9:28

28d ago9:28

9:28

There are three types of sellers and only two of them typically result in a successful negotiation. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the different types of sellers in today’s market and rank your odds of achieving a winning deal with them.By Frank Rolfe

1
The Potential Power Of Reg. D Changes 9:54

1M ago9:54

9:54

If you are trying to expand your self-storage portfolio, but have run into a wall called available capital, you may have looked into the Reg. D 506 structure under the JOBS Act. But a proposed change to this opportunity may yield even greater potential. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the pending change and what the im…

1
Smoke, Mirrors And The Achilles Heel Of Large Storage Operators 9:45

2M ago9:45

9:45

The self-storage industry for larger owners is much more in peril than what they claim, yet many investors fail to heed the warning signs. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review why most large U.S. operators are in big trouble and how to learn from their mistakes.By Frank Rolfe

1
Navigating The Variable Rate Puzzle 10:32

2M ago10:32

10:32

In many self-storage loans today, there’s one major question for the borrower: “do you want a fixed rate or floating?”. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the good and bad of each option and how you can make your own decision based on your perception of the future.By Frank Rolfe

1
The Calm Before The Storm 10:03

3M ago10:03

10:03

America is filled with uncertainty, yet many storage owners have the mistaken idea that these challenges are quietly behind them. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review many of the headwinds the self - storage industry is facing and how to best position yourself to survive these shocks.…

1
Lessons Learned From Commodity Traders 9:44

3M ago9:44

9:44

While copper and soybeans are some of the best-known commodities to trade, self-storage facility owners are also dependent on commodity pricing of their units. And there are certain winners and losers in this trading environment. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the future of the storage commodity and pick the winners a…

1
The Importance Of Asking The Right Questions 9:58

4M ago9:58

9:58

When performing due diligence on a self-storage facility, the questions you ask have a huge impact on gathering facts – especially regarding the costs of capital improvements or maintenance projects. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the questions to ask and the questions to avoid.…

1
All About Closing Dates 9:44

4M ago9:44

9:44

Many buyers feel the least of their worries is the actual date of closing, but that’s not true. There’s a strategy to closing on a deal that can determine just how smoothly the transition goes. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the impact of the closing date you choose (or get railroaded into choosing).…

1
Performance Anxiety 10:40

5M ago10:40

10:40

Many of the self-storage deals out there are wholly unappealing. So what does it take to make a storage facility acquisition compelling? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the metrics behind evaluating a property and come to some conclusions on what should make you interested as well as what should make you run away.…

1
How Not To Get Caught Swimming Naked 9:48

5M ago9:48

9:48

There’s an old saying “when the tide goes out you find out who was swimming naked”. And with all of the economic chaos in the U.S. right now, the tide certainly appears to be going out. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review strategies to not be caught swimming naked.By Frank Rolfe

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How To Get A Loan 9:54

6M ago9:54

9:54

It costs money to build or buy a billboard, and for many people that means getting a loan. But how can you find a lender and get a loan when you are just starting out? In this Billboard Mastery podcast we’re going to explore this topic and discuss some real-life methods to make lending attainable.By Frank Rolfe

1
Take-aways From The U-Haul Report 10:30

6M ago10:30

10:30

U-Haul has historically been a great source of information on population movement. On a regular basis they publish the results of “one-way” rentals that give insight into both where Americans are going but also where they’re leaving. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the meaning behind the latest numbers.…

1
All About Contract Modifications 10:31

7M ago10:31

10:31

A contract is a legal agreement that is signed by both parties – and sometimes you have to alter that basic agreement to get one or both parties to execute it. But how far can you go in modifying these documents? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review what’s acceptable and not, as well as what the ramifications are as you edi…

1
Avoiding Buyer Mouse Traps 10:42

7M ago10:42

10:42

Webster’s Dictionary defines a “trap” as “a situation in which people lie in wait to make a surprise attack”. We’re all familiar with doing this to mice using a spring and a piece of cheese. But some self-storage owners use this same principle when selling their storage property. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to discuss the co…

1
Understanding Emotional Vs. Rational Seller Behavior 10:31

8M ago10:31

10:31

Every self-storage facility seller has two basic traits that guide their decision-making: 1) emotional and 2) rational. How you appeal to and guide these factors can be a key ingredient to forging a successful deal. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to drill down on how to use these attributes to your benefit.…

1
Only Believe What You Can See Yourself 10:11

8M ago10:11

10:11

There are too many people extolling the virtues of self-storage investing that have a stake in convincing you of false narratives. They will claim that demand is growing when, in actuality, occupancy in plunging. They will tell you that a market is "hot" when, in reality, it's a buyer's market. In this Self-Storage University podcast we're going to…

1
All About Buying Properties In Default 8:19

9M ago8:19

8:19

There is a lot of pain and suffering among self-storage owners that paid too much for their facility, didn't operate it effectively, bought in the wrong location, or have been obliterated by competition. These type of situations often lead to mortgage default. So you do you buy self-storage properties in default? In this Self-Storage University pod…

1
Don’t Fall For The Seller’s Bluff 9:12

9M ago9:12

9:12

Bluffing is not just a part of playing poker – it’s also found in working with self - storage facility sellers. In this Self - Storage University podcast we’re going to explore some of the most common seller bluffs and how to diffuse them.By Frank Rolfe

1
Is The "Commercial Mortgage Apocalypse" Really A Hoax? 8:59

10M ago8:59

8:59

There is $2 trillion of commercial real estate mortgage debt coming due over the next two years. Given the low values and occupancy of much of these holdings, it’s assumed there will be a “commercial mortgage apocalypse” as a result. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review this event and where it currently stands.…

1
Understanding The "Crocodile Defense" 8:35

10M ago8:35

8:35

Understanding The "Crocodile Defense" Maybe it’s a slip-and-fall claim or someone who make the false assertion that you sold their unit for non-payment in contradiction to the law. Regardless of the problem, a smart move is to adopt the "crocodile defense". In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review what this means and how you ca…

1
How To Push Along The Procrastinating Seller 9:23

11M ago9:23

9:23

You don’t have a deal until both parties have signed. So what do you do when the seller is dragging their feet? Is there a way to push them along? That’s the focus of this Self-Storage University podcast, in which we explore the methods available to get the seller to get out their pen and actually sign your deal.…

1
What Can You Do About A Bad Appraisal? 8:20

11M ago8:20

8:20

Webster’s Dictionary defines an “appraisal” as “an expert opinion of value”. But sometimes the expert gets it wrong and your deal can collapse under the weight of that mistake. In this Self-Storage University podcast, we’re going to explore what the options are when the appraisal comes in too low.By Frank Rolfe

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Why Smaller Deals Are A Whole Lot Safer 7:50

12M ago7:50

7:50

Everyone likes to talk about giant storage deals because they associate size with “sexiness”. However, the truth is that many of those big deals are total failures and there’s nothing attractive about losing money. Instead, for many investors in self-storage, smaller deals offer greater safety and financial returns. In this Self-Storage University …

1
What It Means When The Promises, P&l, And Tax Return Don’t Align 8:02

1y ago8:02

8:02

Most every self-storage property you look at buying seemingly has three sets of books: 1) what the seller promises you 2) the Profit & Loss statements they give you and 3) the tax returns. And the problem is that often these three different viewpoints don’t align. What does that mean and what can you do about it?…

1
Understanding The Problem With "Hot Markets" 8:40

1y ago8:40

8:40

Most real estate buyers have an endless attraction to what are called “hot markets”. But this pursuit has some disastrous results for most self-storage buyers. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the truth about “hot markets” and how to approach them properly.By Frank Rolfe

1
The Facts About Hard-money Lending 8:21

1y ago8:21

8:21

Seller carry, bank debt, conduit financing – those are the typical ways you finance a self-storage facility. But there’s another method that rarely gets discussed: “hard-money” lending. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the concept of hard-money loans and drill down on the risks associated with this alternative funding …

1
The Fundamentals Of Working With Contractors 9:06

1y ago9:06

9:06

Whether you’re building a storage facility or just getting routine maintenance completed, you can’t really be in the storage business without working with contractors. But there is a certain etiquette to this relationship that is essential to protect your interests. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to discuss how to properly stru…

1
How To Set The Interest Rate On A Seller-carry Note 7:55

1y ago7:55

7:55

Every loan must bear interest, and when you borrow from a bank that number is typically non-negotiable. However, with seller financing the interest rate is subject to negotiation. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore strategies for determining the correct interest rate on seller-carry debt.…

1
How To Be Attractive To Banks 7:24

1+ y ago7:24

7:24

When it comes to getting a loan on a self-storage facility, the better you are at attracting banks the better your loan options will be. So how can you build your lender popularity? In his Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review some the basic steps and skills that will make you a more desirable bank customer.…

1
The Power Of Stress-Testing 8:08

1+ y ago8:08

8:08

One of the cardinal rules of investing in a self-storage facility is making sure you have your downside protected. To help facilitate this analysis, many buyers and lenders will “stress test” the proposed deal to see if they can survive the “worst case” scenario. In ths Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the correct way to “stre…

1
Getting Ready For The Commercial Lending Apocolypse 9:44

1+ y ago9:44

9:44

There is around $2 trillion of commercial real estate loans coming due in the next two years, and there’s an anticipated $1 trillion of losses when those loans renew, thanks to the terrible performance of office and retail properties. And most of this financial catastrophe will fall upon regional banks that may well fail and send the entire banking…

1
The Problem With Cash 6:42

1+ y ago6:42

6:42

Bank interest rates are at the highest level in the past 40 years. But it still doesn’t make sense to buy a storage facility with all-cash. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to discuss why buying properties with 100% cash and no debt is not a winning concept except in certain circumstances.…

1
What Happens When You Combine Direct Mail And Cold Calling 6:55

1+ y ago6:55

6:55

There are several ways to find a self-storage facility to buy. Two of the best are “cold-calling” and “direct mail” – but happens when you combine them together? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the powerful force that can be created by combining the postal service and the telephone.…

1
The Necessity Of Locating Utilities 7:17

1+ y ago7:17

7:17

Did you know that hitting a fiber optic cable with your post-hole digger can bankrupt you? There are a large number of buried utilities in the U.S. that you might hit every time you put a shovel in the ground if you don’t follow the correct procedure. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to discuss why this is a big issue and how to …

1
Dare To Be Different In Direct Mail 9:23

1+ y ago9:23

9:23

One great way to find a self-storage facility to buy is a simple direct mail piece. But with so much mail landing in mailboxes across America, how can you stand out from the pack? On this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore some of the options and theory behind making your direct mail piece a more effective tool.…

1
The Importance of “Time On The Market” 7:35

1+ y ago7:35

7:35

On most on-line offerings, the time on the market is featured somewhere in the listing. This is one of the most valuable pieces of information available – yet many buyers overlook its importance. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore how knowing how long a facility has been up for sale can prove to be a useful tool in getti…

1
Can A Novice Really Get The Attention Of A Broker? 8:18

1+ y ago8:18

8:18

There are many different ways to find a self-storage facility to buy, but one of the best is working with a broker. But aren’t brokers only interested in working with big, experienced buyers? In this Self-Storage University Podcast we’re going to delve into the basics of building a relationship with a broker and why being big is not always the impo…

1
In Praise Of Recessions 9:38

1+ y ago9:38

9:38

Even though we don’t know it yet, experts predict that we are already at the start of the next Great Recession. There are two ways to approach a U.S. economic downturn: 1) with fear and loathing or 2) with a healthy optimism. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore some positive attributes regarding recessions.…

1
Tips On Surveys 9:37

1+ y ago9:37

9:37

You can’t buy a self-storage facility without a survey. But most buyers do not get the most out of the survey nor do they understand what a proper survey should even reflect. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the topic of surveys and what you can do to get a more successful survey drawn.…

1
Getting Creative On Negotiating The Price 8:58

2y ago8:58

8:58

Some sellers are flexible and other won’t budge on their price. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review some creative ways to achieve a good price when the seller is unwilling to work with the buyer or acknowledge the normal rules of negotiating.By Frank Rolfe

1
The Different Ways To Assume A Loan 8:10

2y ago8:10

8:10

With the turmoil in the lending market, finding ways to lock on lower interest rates – or just have a willing lender with knowledge of the asset – have become very important. And often this revolves around doing a loan “assumption” or some type of derivation of that concept. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review how loan ass…

1
The Different Types Of Capital Partners 10:09

2y ago10:09

10:09

You can’t buy real estate with at least some cash for a down-payment. But what do you do when you exhaust your personal money yet still find deals to buy and need a source of the capital to get the job done? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the different types of capital partners and what their benefits and disadvantag…

1
When Will Higher Interest Rates Lead To Distressed Deals To Buy? 9:03

2y ago9:03

9:03

It’s no surprise that self-storage facility loan interest rates have gone up to the highest level in nearly 40 years – and in only 18 months. And there has to be a correlation between these increases and the arrival of loan defaults on the part of many facilities. But when? And how can you put yourself in a position to buy these deals when they com…

1
Does UPS And UAW Mean Your Are In Trouble? 8:05

2y ago8:05

8:05

There is a revolution going on in the labor market and the implications are rumbling through all areas of employment. How will self-storage fare in the newfound quest of employees to fight for staggering wage increases. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore this timely topic as the wage war rages on.…

1
The Best And Worst Too To Make Or Lose Money 9:31

2y ago9:31

9:31

The most dangerous – and profitable – tool in buying self-storage facilities is debt. It can either greatly enhance your rate or return or drag you down and drown you. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore debt, how it works, and what the pitfalls are at a time when interest rates are at 40-year highs.…

1
Understanding The Art Of Persuasion 8:44

2y ago8:44

8:44

Buying a self-storage property typically revolves around getting the seller to do something, and that skill is called “persuasion”. But how does it work and how can you be better at it? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the basic methods of persuasion and how to practice them.…

1
How To Find A Bank 8:12

2y ago8:12

8:12

Real estate is all about leverage and obtaining debt is a big part of successfully buying a self-storage facility. So how do you find a bank? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to give you the simple steps required to find a lender.By Frank Rolfe

1
Paving Scams And How To Avoid Them 9:53

2y ago9:53

9:53

One of the key components – in fact the first thing you notice when you pull into the facility – of any self-storage property are the paved surfaces. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous paving companies that see your dependence on road quality as an ample opportunity to trap you into paying more than you should. In this Self-Storage Universi…

1
A Tale Of Two Cities 8:37

2y ago8:37

8:37

I recently leased two storage units – one in a city of 2.8 million and one in a city of 4,500. And the results perfectly illustrate where the money is in self-storage investing today and where the money definitely is not. And it’s amazing how the tide has turned.By Frank Rolfe