All Forum Posts by: Mark Byrge

Well? How did you do?

I just signed up for the January academy in Orlando as well.

Same here, I found it to be mostly common sense questions along with knowing fair housing laws. You've got this.

I am in a very similar situation. I found a 114 unit facility that is 26% rented and 2 hours from my home. I've found a couple different options to practically fully automate the facility and have the ability to do leases and rental setup online. There is also a self storage expo in Vegas the first full week of September that will have most vendors there that you can see all the technology out there. I'm headed there prior to closing on mine. Check out: 6Storage STORedge The first one looks intriguing due to low costs and full website hosting. Good luck!

I currently own one 60 unit (soon 90 unit) facility that is 15-20 minutes from my home. I am in escrow to purchase an 114 unit with room for expansion that is about 90 minutes from my home. Looking for advice and recommendations for best systems to be able to run these remotely (for the most part). Specifically management software, security/camera systems and integration between the management and gate systems. Both facilities are gated and currently have RFID card readers that will need to be changed out to keypads. Current facility has a cheap camera system that I'm not sure if it can be web based or not. Also, what kind of costs am I looking at? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Mark I own a small 60 unit over on the Macomb/St Clair county border and love it! I spend maybe an hour or two every other week picking up checks and minor maintenance. I carry a burner phone with me that is linked to the main number and schedule people as needed. It's a great business!

Hi Michelle! I'm in Macomb Twp. as well and have done exactly as you are wanting to do! May 12th, 2017 was my last day working for "the man" and living solely off of my rentals. I would be more than happy to sit down with you and your husband whenever you want! My wife and I are returning from a 10 day vacation celebrating our independence!

Since you don't have any background or expertise, why don't you hard money lend at 10%+ interest on short term loans? $850k @ 10% will yield $85k/yr and never touch principle, and all you have to do is cash checks. Ask for points or even higher interest and you are making $100k+/yr.

I bought one that was already established. I agree with your thoughts, just know that you can charge more of a premium with security systems in place. Additionally you will end up saving yourself money everytime you don't have to drive to the facility of you can do it from home.  At least make the provisions for upgrades during construction. (I.e. Running cables/power lines underground before putting down your drive surface) This will allow you to add later without having to tear up your drive and will expedite installation at a later date. 

The software was only a few hundred dollars and the only monthly fee I have is my internet connection. I just remote connect to the desktop at the mini storage through a VPN to access the software. My software is fairly antiquated as its the original software from when the property was built back in 2002, but still does the job nicely!