Here's how to turn them into WHY: I want the freedom I can achieve in Real Estate so that I can:1) have more time in the day to nurture myself physically as I try regain optimal health2) have more time to devote to my children as they are growing up3) have the money I need and want to sustain a lifestyle I can enjoy4) Learn as I progress in this field and meet the people who can teach me more than I ever thought possibleOK, I'm all ready to go now!

- Burn and Bury them From @Bryant Bagley- This would have been an optimal solution but the trailers are too close and the land too hilly, I like the thought though!

What are other ways to optimize NOI? 

That is indeed a whole different topic and tax optimization is generally very high on my agenda.

However this takes the investor/buyer out of the tenant selection process and exactly as you say the urgency from the TK provider ( capital costs) TK Broker  ( I want my FEE) and you end up with less than optimal situation when it comes to the tenant placement..  

Then we would find a distressed property (ensuring it has the potential for substantial forced equity), connect you with an optimal lender, interview/vet contractors, handle project management, scheduling, payments, inspections...the list goes on.

Regarding tax vulnerability, try connecting with an investor friendly CPA who can advise you on how you on what routes to take for optimal savings.

Thus, the loan pricing is optimized in your favor.

Optimally we would want a terrific value on both sides of the equation.Fundamentally, I believe the question is whether investing in self-storage is really investing in real estate.

It's great to hear everyone's optimism about this area, I'm really hoping to see it turn around because there's so much potential there.