Joe is right, it sounds like if you sell, there may not be any capital gains.

I've self managed property for a long time and I belive that no manager does as good a job of managing as I do. 

Whether it’s for fix-and-flips, rentals, or other projects, I’d love to learn more about who you’ve worked with and what your experience has been like.Do you have any solid connections or recommendations for private lenders who use their own capital?

What guidance / cite do you have for only deducting some expenses until it's actively rented?

It’s quite appealing as a long term investment - even at today’s rates.

A company out of Canada I think that says they do placements for insurance companies for displaces families. 

Do you have a certain type of self-storage you are aiming for? 

Don’t Do Multiple Property TypesAvoid the temptation to juggle different property types.

The key is finding a great deal and being relentless in securing the right financing for it.

With it being about 25 minutes to Austin, it could work OK.