Hey there,
I wanted to start out by offering a warm welcome to any newbies to the newsletter. And even if you've been here for a while - we are super thankful to have you!
Something a little different: This week, I'm including a bonus resource that I talked about in the SSI podcast last week - our complete Self Storage Income Investor Checklist (click here to download). This is literally an A to Z resource for any storage investor - from finding a great market, to exiting and scaling your portfolio.
Alright, I'm excited to share a few new resources this week, here's what you'll learn:
âś… The 4M framework - predict (almost) any investment!
âś… The self storage investing 101 playbook
âś… 12 red flags to avoid when investing in a storage facility
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[ AJO Podcast ] The Simple Framework That Predicts (Almost) Any Investment
I have a framework that tells me which investments (and businesses) have the highest odds of succeeding. I’ve used this framework to build multiple $10M+ businesses and own a $100M+ real estate portfolio. I didn’t do this all by luck, and it isn’t because I’m a genius. It’s all because of this simple framework that anyone can use, with any budget, at any stage in their life.
Most businesses fail. Restaurants open, then close a month later. Stocks get sold off and drop to zero. Companies lay off their staff and shut their doors. This is all while other industries, companies, and investments see record profits. They all had a dream, but only some of them succeeded. What’s the secret to knowing which ones will make it?
The 4M Framework.
The 4M Framework has personally helped me invest (and divest) in industries at the exact right times, making the most money possible and growing my wealth to $10M+. I’m finally sharing it, after testing it for over 20 years and seeing incredible results. You can use it, too, no matter how much money you have. I’m breaking down all four stages so you can multiply your money faster and stop getting burned.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE EPISODE
[ SSI Podcast ] Self Storage 101: Complete Playbook (Finding to Operating)
In this video, I'm going to walk you through the exact 10-step process we use to buy and operate facilities across 10+ states. First, I break down market selection—how to identify high-demand markets with low supply and avoid the traps that sink new investors. Then, I cover deal sourcing and underwriting, showing you how to buy on actual numbers (not projections) while identifying upside potential.
We dig into financing options, from conventional loans with local banks to SBA loans that let you put down as little as 10%. I share the complete acquisition checklist so you don't get blindsided at closing, plus all the tech and systems you need for day-one operations—property management software (Tenant Inc), revenue management (Now Metrics), call centers, and more.
You'll learn how to set up legal agreements, manage the property efficiently with fractional staffing and automation, and build a marketing system that keeps occupancy and rates high. Finally, I show you how to scale from one facility to a full portfolio through refinancing and 1031 exchanges.
This is the same playbook I used to grow from a $300,000 rural facility to over $450 million in assets under management. Storage isn't about units—it's about systems. And once you have the systems dialed in, you can do it again and again.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE EPISODE
[ Article ] Case Study: Making $500K+ on a Small Town Self Storage Facility
Self storage can deliver exceptional returns, but it also hides pitfalls that can destroy a deal fast. This article walks you through the twelve most common red flags I see on the ground, why each one matters, and the practical steps you can take when you spot them. Read this now and you will save time, avoid costly mistakes, and build a repeatable checklist you can trust when evaluating any market or facility.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
Hope you enjoy the new content.
That's it for this week - until next time!
- AJ Osborne
