The cheapest possible approach, my contractor told me, was to install what's called a Rockwell egress which would entail replacing the entire rear wall, but also installing a new egress door which I figured would be a good thing when in the future we would need to move big system objects typically found in a basement in and out.

I had 11 of these and good systems in place but still had 1-2 evictions a year and 3-4 big things that were normal annoyances like plumbing leaks, damages from hurricanes, or some vandalism.

If they have a large unit count, do they have departments and systems to assist them with organizing each aspect of property management while tracking your financial flow? 

Good camera system so you can see the property fully.As part of your due diligence, make sure you understand the market capacity, zoning for Self Storage- allowed and conditional, how easy or hard it is to build within 1 to 3 miles of you, if in a city. 

If you get a system/team in place you'll be fine, I'd just say make sure you are clear on your strategy and stay tight on your tenant screening criteria.Which neighborhood is the property in?

Regine was patient with me as I spent the evenings creating the systems for her to her job better, coaching her on the calls, and reviewing the leads she was getting.

I'm actively looking for a beach house to STR, and this and other articles about FEMA changing its rating system and therefore insurance rates in October has led me to steer clear of anything in a flood zone.  

Literally within those 3 different systems are a ton of the best schools in the entire country.

You could use a point system if you are choosing the best applicant. 

High velocity ductless system?