I know you can outsource much of the operations (online payments, answering phone, SEO) to management companies who specialize in self storage operations (https://www.storageunitsoftware.com/call-answering)...But how do folks recommend handling onsite physical tasks (ie: offline tenant rentals, showing units, stuck doors)?

Basically it makes us feel 'comfortable'... if that word is allowed to be used to describe real estate investing.However, for out of state, we find ourselves feeling helpless with what we view as unpredictable markets (fluctuating values, and therefore fluctuating equity positions), long vacancy times (in the Springs, our houses get rented in a week or two, max), and of course, not being able to stop in and physically check out the property and talk with the tenants to mitigate any of their concerns (without having to play telephone through the PM).Basically what I am getting at, is that I am not sure if I just have rose-colored glasses with Colorado Springs due to it being a hot market at this point in time (and when we entered the market), or if others feel the same way in that Colorado Springs has a lot to offer in terms of it having a stable (and foreseeably strong) economy, decent price/rent ratios, and all around good investment potential for a long-term view.  

As energy and excitement wane, so does the strength and growth of the construct (whatever the form be it physical, mental, or emotional).

I was physically in the branch that day...i should've asked for a manager or another mortgage professional.

In CMBS: due diligence is the foundation of the process because of the reliance securities investors must place on the specific expertise of the professionals involved in the transaction.Engineering Report: Report generated by an architect or engineer describing the current physical condition of the property and its major building systems (i.e., HVAC, parking lot, roof, etc.).

Would highly recommend going through the process and calling L&I as many times as it takes to get the inspector out to the property and let him physically show you what he wants done.

It means you do everything you need to do to be satisfied that the property is acceptable and safe to purchase.You check the title for liens and encumbrances, perform physical inspections of every part of the home to look for hidden problems,check with the city permit office for code violations and verify any additions or changes have been permitted and are up to code,and figure out the numbers on how much the payments and cash flow( if any) will be during the time you own it.

If I'm already paying 10% of rent to a PM, I would expect that my only other expense would be if something breaks and I have to pay for the physical work of the contractor.

We really want to get into real estate to diversify and actually own something physical that can provide income for the long run.  

My personal accounts are with an online bank, but I️ was thinking for a business account it may be better to utilize a bank with a physical branch that I️ can visit in person.