I'm specifically trying to model self storage but I don't think the sector will matter. 

It has lots of potential (raised rent, units would be easy to improve, added utility fee, added attic apartment, added coin-op laundry, possibly added storage in basement), and it is a really great old building (brick-- rock solid-- used to be a convent!)

I would like to assemble a huge list of self storage addresses and, if possible, owner info. 

Purchase price: $850,000 Cash invested: $350,000 131 Unit Self-Storage Facility What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

It should be less for self-storage.

If I was in your shoes I would first try to narrow down your search criteria and identify boundaries for each.

A local cabinet maker had them sitting in storage from a work order change.

Not exactly breaking news.Put yourself in the bank's (or fannie/freddie's) shoes for a moment.

When I first started, I was also in your shoes of not knowing where to start and feeling really overwhelmed.I just bought a 1,000 unit apartment complex and what has guided me over the years is to get really clear on my "WHY" or my purpose.Here is a link that you might find helpful, where I quit my job to pursue real estate 100%.I quit my CPA Job to buy Large Apartment BuildingsIn my opinion, get really clear on your WHY as it will give you the "juice" to keep you moving forward.Good luck!!

"Begin with the end in mind" - Stephen Covey Any of the strategies you mentioned will work; if I'm in your shoes my goal is to scale and get cashflow, so here is what I recommend.1.