My skilled trade education started at 7, working alongside my Dad, who in addition to a thriving electrical contracting business, always had side projects.

Thanks  Self Storage doesn't trade often.

Build a commercial team- insurance, financing, Planning/Zoning, fire inspector, trades- electrician, plumber, carpenter, excavation, concrete, hvac, flooring, engineers, signage, etc. 

I am a land surveyor by trade.

There are a lot of "micro-skills" required: finding a great deal, forecasting returns accurately, financing it, hiring and managing contractors (difficult!)

@Steven CatudalFor such a small amount you could try to open trade accounts and commercial revolving accounts for your material expenses. 

I sold because the market there is nuts right now: everything going for way more than it has been trading at over the last few years.

When I started 15 years ago I was all over the map, but soon realized that I don't like low income neighborhoods and the issues that come with it, I traded out of C areas into B neighborhoods.

For example, it MAY make sense for you to sell, then 1031 exchange the funds into a larger property type - or a similar property in a nicer area that has stronger appreciation forecasts.

There are a lot of factors that will go into your trade-up, and depending on the scale you want to go.