Hello, I have a small self storage in Vermont that recently experienced some theft - thieves cut off tenant locks, went in units and then put another lock on to disguise the disturbance. 

Thieves are attracted to job sites. 3) Rent a DUMPSTER!

Is it identical I  don't know since it is not a structure I am familiar with.    

Since the landlord is not collecting the SSN it reduces the paperwork and long approval process typically required to initiate a credit inquiry on a consumer.Additionally, SmartMove verifies the applicant’s identity by requiring them to enter their SSN into the SmartMove system and answer a series of personally identifying questions.

However, I realized that the identical building next door was paying $13,000 per year.

The thieves will try over an over in different ways because it only takes one mistake to get $100 or 200K out of you.

I  agree with your point on viewing a property first hand, I think I'm just in the stages of trying to identity towns and areas that work with my price range and needs.

I’ve put 100’s if not 1000’s of hours in educating myself in both the market and REI.If both took equal effort and had identical returns I would choose the stock market, I find it more intellectually stimulating (when investing in single stocks) and I don’t have to deal with people, tire kickers can be exhausting!

We have an almost identical approach!

@Nathan Boyer Sounds almost identical to my situation!