If you are primarily a lender you can't really contract your way into another position and avoid that lending position.Other issues come up when a lender takes a management role in the operations of any borrower.

I think, in general, unless you're an extremely high W2 earner just looking to get into real estate for tax purposes, buying for cash flow gives you the durability to weather market fluctuations as you're never in a position where your back is against the wall and you need to sell... unless you have debt coming due.Now, that being said, if the true cash flow, after allocating for all expenses, vacancy, maintenance, capex, etc. is in the black, then I think taking a 5% CoC return in an appreciating market isn't a bad move, especially if there is a component of value-add. 

I've been looking into self-storage companies to buy and I've gone through articles and videos on how do do it.

Hey Matt,Have you look into CTREIA?

Heavy on the design and how each place goes into great detail.Pretty cool stuff. 

Apart from many holes in the walls, the tenant had put screws into all the window frames some of which went all the way through to the outside. 

Very enthusiastic about getting into RE as a wealth builder but I know that I have much to learn about the process.

I got into detail of what they were looking for first.. then I qualified that they had the money and were ready to go ( like a good car salesmen does) then I picked 3 properties ( back before the internet ) One I knew they might like one that pretty sure they would not and one I knew fit all the criteria and they would buy. then I asked for the order point blank and wrote it up usually on the Hood of my car.. contract with NCR paper and off er went to escrow. 

That helps Rachel, yea in the process of running it by 4 banks now to get more into the weeds on if they allow it.

Currently, I'm looking into the company REI Nation.