CA has the highest sales tax rate in the country.

They could self manage for several years, using the rental income, until the next phase of their retirement.If they have a decent amount of financial discipline, they may want to get a HELOC now before they build to get the most favorable rate.

Rent, Expenses, NOI, Cash Flow, COCR, Cap Rate, Market cap rate. 

We like self-storage because even if there is a recession, and people downsize, those people will have a need for self-storage, as evidenced by storage occupancy rates during past recessions.

@Jordyn Ohs Assuming your heloc is re-advanceable and the rate is higher than your mortgage, I would suggest you pay your HELOC down as quickly as possible with any cash flow from the properties.

ConsiderationsCrime Rates: Some parts of Albuquerque have historically struggled with higher crime rates.

If I accept the suggested pricing opportunities it could drop my rates by $100 / night in some cases. 

Fort Collins did it since the 1960s and only recently created a law against it because of rent rates.

We invest in some deals because they meet our Hurdle Rate/Return on Investment objectives. 

There are plenty out there with fair rates and lower fees.