HOW TO INVEST IN SELF-STORAGE

SECTION ONE:  UNDERSTANDING THE SELF-STORAGE BUSINESS

CHAPTER 1
Industry Overview

The History of Self-Storage
Size and Nature of the Market
From Black Sheep to Best of the Bunch
Enter Blue Chip Companies and Highly Sophisticated Operators
Carving Out Your Piece of the Pie

CHAPTER 2
The Investment Opportunity

Where Should I Invest Money Today?
Why Invest in Real Estate?
Why Invest in Self-Storage?
Self-Storage vs. the Stock Market

CHAPTER 3
Separating Fact from Fiction

Common Myths About Self-Storage
The Right Reasons to Get Into the Business
I’m Sold!  How Do I Get Started?
Overcoming Barriers to Entry
Next Steps

SECTION TWO:  HOW TO INVEST IN SELF-STORAGE

CHAPTER 4
Market Analysis

Who Uses Self-Storage?
Defining Your Target Market
Analyzing Households and Migration Patterns
Understanding Self-Storage Supply and Demand
Selecting the Best Site

CHAPTER 5
Product Analysis

How Do Self-Storage Businesses Generate Revenue/
Rental Income and Lease Structure
RV and Boat Storage
Miscellaneous Products and Services
Next Generation Facilities … Next Generation Income Streams
CHAPTER 6
Operating Expenses

Standard Operating Costs
Major Expenses
How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Creating a Budget
Sample Profit and Loss Statements
Next Steps

CHAPTER 7
How to Develop a Self-Storage Facility

Understanding the Risks vs. Rewards
How to Conduct a Proper Feasibility Study
Choosing the Right Site Layout and Unit Mix
Basic Development Costs/Lease Up/Break-Even Occupancy
Financing Your Development Project

CHAPTER 8
How to Acquire a Self-Storage Facility

The Advantages of Buying vs. Building
Where Can I Find Self-Storage Businesses for Sale?
How Do I Value an Existing Self-Storage Asset?
How to Conduct Thorough Due Diligence on Your Acquisition Target
Financing Your Acquisition

CHAPTER 9
How to Finance Your Facility

How is Self-Storage Viewed by the Investment Community?
What Are the Major Sources of Capital?
Loan Classifications
Self-Storage Financing Overview
Preparing Your Loan Application

CHAPTER 10
What’s Next for Self-Storage?