What type of properties are these and what do you mean by it not being "cost-effective" for you?

We're crunching numbers and planning to make purchases this year in the self-storage space.

., I would do a search on here for Galveston and you will find some info.There are a lot of STRs there so you will be forced to compete on price so self managing is going to be the way to go.

In online forums, the danger I've experienced is the "national" effect. 

Quote from @Kerlous Tadres: Quote from @Michelle Howey: Hello everyone,I’m currently exploring ways to find off-market real estate deals and would love to get some advice from this knowledgeable community.What strategies or tools have you found most effective in identifying off-market properties?

Wouldn't hurt to consult a tax pro just to make sure there isn't a more tax effective strategy but I don't think lending provides any tax shelter.

In short, this would be an entirely appreciation-based investment.Given the state of the economy today, with high interest rates and the seller-buyer lock out effect, I want to discuss the pros and cons of this investment at length, specifically in the context of all the other properties / neighborhoods that I have been evaluating. 

Being the military, it had that definite institutional overtone to it, but the basic premise was the same.I recently toured a new senior's complex in which on end - for those who were still relatively self sufficient - had individual units (bedroom, sitting room / kitchenette ... effectively a bachelor apartment but without a full kitchen) clustered together in groups of 4 with their own common room / kitchen and courtyard.On the other side of the complex were units for those who required more assisted living.  

Many, many self-storage opportunities.

I'd consider having a conversation with a local agent to see how the pre-fab vs self built will affect your property value.