Buying Self-Storage Companies - Any Tips and Building Network?

[Nicolette Grannum]

I've been looking into self-storage companies to buy and I've gone through articles and videos on how do do it. I'm looking for people who have actually done it or are brokers that specialize in self-storage and are familiar with the markets who could give me some tips on what to look out for and how to work towards buying them. I haven't purchased any companies before so any and all advice on the process would be appreciated. There is one business in particular that has been very tempting to try and acquire, but I am not sure the next steps to actually go about doing it.

Questions like: Confirming it qualifies for commercial real estate loans (SBA), what type of network (brokers/lawyers/etc) would be needed to appraise and finalize a deal, and where to look for that network.