Are there any self storage investors on the forum that would like to connect?

It stands for Delaware Statutory Trust and is a trust/pass through entity in which a sponsor (think big real estate investment corporation) buys institutional property (apartments, self storage, commercial, medical office, etc) and then sells interest in the Trust/Property to investors. 

This is a great forum with very knowledgeable members that will help to guide you in the right direction.I really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

Often smaller operators add things that should really be CapEx as an expense item to help their taxes.Make sure the items under expenses are true expenses and not to be capitalized.Is the owner self managing and paying themselves?

They usually pay better (depending on where they are) for that reason, but if your time is limited and you want to self-manage long-term is much more passive.2.

There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesAlerts can be really helpful too: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

I'm looking to transfer my IRA to another custodian that will allow me to invest in RE (not self-dealing).

Moved from NYC a few years back to self manage.

Just been saving up and taking care of my self i will go take a look at that book ! 

I use "The Best Self Journal" - (bestself.co) and it has drastically changed the way I enter each day and evaluate my production.As a last resort, if you must go back home, devise a plan for yourself to be out within a few weeks or months.