@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.

Reaching out to local agents?

Any tips or tools for evaluating the local market would be greatly appreciated.

Are these better than MFH, Retail centers, SFH, I have my opinion, but I don’t know.  

I'm also hopeful to get some local cooperation now that he's claiming partnerships with local government. 

I've also signed up for New Orleans REI meet ups in the upcoming weeks in hopes of making valuable connections in the local market. 

You could get a loan from a local bank or private lender to fund it

I am a local realtor in the Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk area and would love to help out if you need any assistance.

I'm a local real estate broker, investor, and manager (100+ rentals, mostly Airbnb/STR and multifamily).House hacking is a tried-and-true method and in Sacramento you can produce some meaningful income while enjoying the appreciation and tax benefits of owning real estate.

Find a local one.