Will, I'd like to hear about this too, things like whether or not expansion is permissible, are there zoning issues, demographics-will the area support the business, are there other storage facilities in the area, if so, go in and ask if they are full.

Ray is really into demographics and research.

I've done it a couple of times here in TX sometimes they act like ******** but when i tell them im trying to learn a few things i have questions already written down they usually dont mind talking for a few moments. summing up what some others have said. unless u looked at the demographics and talked to people who know the real estate market there extensively i wouldnt be too sure about saying it would rent fast. do your homework. also if a property doesnt have cash flow, dont rent. research all ways to invest in real estate. you say you have a good job but are you even okay financially?

Only from time to time I purchase lists based on demographics: i.e. owners who are over 60 years of age, don't live in the property and have owned the property for 10+ years.

I have worked most of career assessing the development of communities ( demographics, growth trends, amenity development, socioeconomic profiles, zoning, bylaw and the list goes on).

These companies all have commercial brokers so you won’t be talking to them directly and things you will need to know are are job growth, demographics, current vacancy factors, how is property zoned, etc. if it’s retail or food they will want to know what stores gross in the area, what are traffic trips etc what is rent rates in area ....In today’s market - small town areas see very little development as office and retail are struggling nationwide and are only successful in newer mixed use developments or established areas.

When a doctor wants to relocate his business, I want to be the person he calls for property or demographic research, or I want to be the person a local broker calls when he needs help with forecasting.

." - Harry Dent, The Demographic Cliff, 2014, page 97.One of the things that I have wondered about as a small investor is risk.

Anything to be aware of when renting to this demographic?  

They may or may not share any demographic tenant profile information as they do not want to be construed as breaking any Fair Housing type laws.