If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

I initially was going to do a commercial loan and purchase my next house as an actual investment property, but financially it made a lot more sense for me to move into it and put a lot less money down upfront and have a lower interest rate.

Amazingly, it is apparently nearly impossible to get decent comps for this so I'm not sure how to approach figuring out whether to outright sell it (and for what price), fix it up as a rental, or market it as a knockdown for the land. 

I'm looking for people who have actually done it or are brokers that specialize in self-storage and are familiar with the markets who could give me some tips on what to look out for and how to work towards buying them.

You should create losses via bonus deprecation if you actually plan to offset gains with it 

It still costs you more than an "expensive" $200/hr accountant who can knock it off in 2 hours resulting in a $400 bill.Next, will you be able to verify how many hours was actually spent on your taxes?

Mom's 50% and Dad's 50% of fair market value.

The journey from learning to taking action is so important, and it sounds like you're on the right path.If you're considering expanding your investment portfolio or connecting buyers with prime opportunities, I’d love to share some insights about the Indianapolis market.

I'm happy to share thoughts on Bryson City as well as other markets here in Western NC, including the greater Asheville area, if you want to set up a call.

Would love to know as well as it would be great to collaborate among colleagues especially since we have such a small market.