Self-help, to the extent they can and won't harm their case, is also encouraged. 

@Jeff Greenberg @Brian Briscoe @Brian Burke @Ola Dantis @Frank Patalano@Yonah Weiss I appreciate the wise words and encouragement.

We have been hopeful that we could get more rent than our estimate and we are encouraged that you are thinking $2400 might be a more accurate market rate. 

I would encourage you to reach out to an investor-friendly mortgage rep.

I agree with @Greg Dickerson in his assessment and, if you're a relative newcomer to commercial real estate, I would encourage you to look into having a detailed discussion with a broker who understands self storage as an asset class (in lieu of one who only sees it as a business).  

I think the local municipality also seems to be generally encouraging toward development, and real estate but again that's super subjective.

I appreciate the encouragement and helpful links!

If not, I’d encourage you to use your own money until you have a solid track record.

@Mark Sewell Maybe suggest she check out this https://www.meetup.com/The-Real-Estate-InvestHER-Meetup-Austin-TX/ specifically for women :-) There will be lots of other "27 year olds" there who will encourage her that it's a great plan!

It’s really encouraging hearing other people’s experience doing what I’m trying to do now .