I have owned iand self managed all for 8 years.As for point 1, I agree there is a higher demand for Gatlinburg, but it isn't that high to be called ground zero.

If searching on your own is not sufficient, try making a connection with a new real estate team - there are bound to be real estate teams specializing in investor-focused purchases2.

And arguably I think most would prefer a management transfer period as well, I'd say 2yrs, because you've been self-operating so i don't want to fumble around int he dark to sort what "system" has been used.

Any advice for getting into Self-Storage as a new to CRE investor?

All North DFW has the highest appreciation while South DFW will be giving you the better cash flow.If this is your first rodeo, then I would suggest to be close home if you are also planning to self-manage.Then the age of the properties and access to highways.

Quote from @Brandon Tusing: Hello BP Community, I currently self manage my duplex and have amazing tenants. 

Pre-approval for a mortgage and self-managing your first property can help you build momentum.Good luck!

Instead, an individual should strive for self-growth and initiative and be aware of how they can add value to members of their team or those who have helped them.

Showing a level of expertise to do something hard or exciting certainly piques the interest of a guy with money and no RE experience.We lived in Houston and self managed properties in Oregon and Maine that we snuck away to in the summer.

In my case, I have residential rentals in one LLC, commercial properties in another, self storage in a third, and my real estate company operates in a fourth.