I had an appraisal, the appraiser needed access to the storage units to get pics of the water heaters, and time was of the essence because I didn't want my locked rate to expire ( 30 day process I was on day 25).

Adding a storage shed might be needed for many who do this.

It's getting to the season where kids are starting to look. 

I am thinking of a storage unit here for the renters, but I'd like to know--for those investors that have built storage units before, what was the estimated cost? 

That's because in New Orleans near the French Quarter you make 80% of your money on the weekends and when the weekends rent, depending on the season, if you're left with a Monday/Tues/Wed in between they're unlikely to rent, even if you drop the prices significantly, which I do.

What are good terms for a hard money loan that we need to use to purchase a property and will later refinance after seasoning?

Now I'm involved with Self Storage and Manufactured Home Communities as well.

Aaron, it's probably the season.

Since I am coming during the middle of the "sales season" I am hoping the daily efforts will start showing results by next summer ( although I wouldn't be upset if it started sooner". 

One lot had a row of about 22 storage units and the office for the storage business.