(You could be locked out......timing is very important).Some of the items in the file folder include;A skinny contract of sale...... this is a one page written in easy to understand language with only one out clause.A Hybrid contract of sale... a way to close more transactions by joint ventureA commercial contract of sale, 3 pages with special buyer requirements related to environmental conditions, existing suppliers, surveys, buried oil tanks and other conditions that must be known to make a profitable and safe transactionAn option agreementAn informational pocket pack with 52 options to financing and control a building without conventional financingBlank checks, pens, carbon paper, A list of referencesDisclosures for lead paint and other state or federal requirementsCell phone with camera to take pictures of the nice things and negative aspects of the property and to take a picture of the contract to email confirmation to seller and to your title company or lenderA gift, something for the seller to remember you by, I give Indian Head Nickels away, pens, note pads.Blank addendum forms  - these are used to attach to your purchase agreements (you don't want a lot of chicken scratching on your contracts; use them to write some of the following;1.

We have also added cameras to our new Dallas office in our expansion of that location.

My best advice to minimize your chance of this happening to you is to buy a couple of outdoor cameras, build a good relationship with your neighbors(They can see who is staying at your house and whether or not they should be there) and demand frequent and detailed records from your manager!  

In the past, I have also used internet based security cameras and alarm system connected (along with signage) to a wifi hotspot (jetpack etc.) to do this after changing locks and better securing doors and windows.

If there is a history of back-ups then may require running a camera through the sewer system.2) An electrician to walk the property and look for safety or operational issues.3) If private water/sewer then have a professional evaluate the current status of the system.4) Bids (preferably three) for removal of dead trees and limbs, road repair, fencing, sign, etc.5) Property condition report on any stick-built structure.

If your friend is looking for a self storage unit that's reliable and secure, besides the obvious things like security cameras, I would advise him to look for two things in a facility:a.

Just a few hundred dollars would do.Buy business cards, bandit signs, enough for a small direct mail campaign, some nice looking clothes to make you look trustworthy if you don't have them.Cheap digital camera off of ebay/craigslist.

I still need to play with the camera settings and go back for more photos, but, you can see below a reminder of why we have a No Pet policy:This is what many years of "doggie diapers" at the end of the hallway look like ... yes, the yellowish and brown areas are urine stains.  

We use our scoping skills and bring a camera and 12 inch ruler, checklist and notepad, pen, flashlight, and disinfectant wipes. 

Most companies stake out a place for 20-30 days.Otherwise, you may want to install motion sensors, automatic timers, an alarm system, or cameras (live or fake, but either way a deterrent).