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.

From what I see, there are people who invest in different real estate markets all over the country.

As a few have mentioned, the best way would be to call the listing agents directly, but depending on how much time you want to dedicate, setting and going on multiple appointments with different people could prove to be time-consuming. 

I feel like my "circle of people" really needs an expansion and improvement and I want someone with more experience in the field I want to be in to really help me gain myself to success!

The limit is "three unrelated people" and cousins are not considered related under this code.

That's what the commission is for...It does seem like their communication is top notch - I've spoken to a few people from REI and they seem to have a decent business model.

Some similar phone numbers and such to other short term companies that other people said were scams.

I've seen other people in the forum who simply use independent savings accounts but it is not clear to me if that is legal.

Just curious how accurate it is since people could potentially rely on it for their investment analysis and could be screwed if they use the wrong numbers.... 

There's no reason to provide details, though I do let people know if anyone asks that we do not accept bulk up-front rent payments or anything like that because I absolutely do not want a prospective tenant to think that someone else swooped in with a bunch of cash last minute.