All Forum Posts by: John Lenhart

@Aaron W.

I PM'd you. it would be easier to answer your questions over that manner

@aj - it depends on your situation. Did you just purchase the property or have you held it for a few years and the county significantly raised the rates on you?

My strategy would be different depending on how recent you purchased the property  

I have done multiple appeals in Montgomery County. In general, the school board has the right to get involved if the reduction in property value is greater than $50k. School boards, especially in more urban districts are very aggressive looking for tax dollars.  

The school board attorney is just another party to the hearing. Typically, the county will have their people speak as to the value of the property, you will obviously be able to present your case, and then the school board will be able to present a 3rd opinion of value. 

Your set of facts surrounding your property tax valuation will determine your success. The biggest advantage that you have as the property owner is that you have the ability to present information to the other parties about the property that they cannot ascertain on their own. 

In general, Montgomery County is a bit more aggressive than other counties however, if you have good facts regarding your valuation, you will likely win, or at least get some type of relief.

Try steve Turman with ipa

Greg Vollman 

Or Jordan Dickman with Marcus and Millichap 

We do Uhaul at our larger locations where we have a full time management presence. It is a no brained there and it does not cost anything to operate at those locations. It generates over $1000k in income a month at these locations and is a good source of leads

The smaller remote locations does not work so well with Uhaul. 

Have you looked at a life insurance loan?

If you want a crash course in self storage check out Scott Myers courses

I work with a few people out of their Cincinnati office, but they have regional offices all over the country. I can private message you a name and you can start with him. Another company have used in the past is North Marq I will send you their information to

Bellwether Enterprise is a good lender to work with

One thing about kiosks, one of our facilities was part of a crime ring where people were renting after hours at the kiosk and paying the nominal fee, never moving in the unit, getting access to the facility after hours and then breaking in units. Something to monitor if you have a kiosk and may be wise to limit some access hours on the kiosk