Try and join a few local Facebook pages and connect with locals who are in the house hacking business. 

@Luke Spencer I am not on the management side but I can tell you it took 2+ years to fill 300 units at one of our facilities and the other just hit 300 units in 12/13 months so it really depends on the demographics, and local housing market trend, the more people moving in and out the higher the demand for storage.I think if you're looking at a saturated market then the upfront cash to turn the warehouse into self storage is not a good idea but then again, maybe those operators are on back roads ( low visibility ) and don't push google ads well.

ACT and the various localized distressed property laws.

But they are usually a bit expensive I believe.I would also go to your local REIA and ask around there.

And also the local job market.

Looking forward to working and meeting everyone both local and non. 

I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor. 

However, due to high property costs in our local market, we have been exploring opportunities in more affordable states, including Texas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio.

Make sure you check the local ordinances / zoning and talk to the local administrator to see if you can do what you are planning.

Are you local here?