For all the self-storage investors out there,I'm new to self-storage, so forgive me if this is a simplistic set of questions, but...It seems that most of the research/data that I'm coming across regarding a self-storage investment outlook is focused on the next 1-2 years, and it seems to indicate a mostly positive investment climate.

I pull assessor data (with a direct link) of the type of properties in the areas I want and send ALL the property owners an offer.

They provide the data and you would need to send the bills. 

Now is it easy, absolutely not, I spend countless hours, weeks, months and years analyzing micro-markets, watching data, scouting, all to ve able to jump into markets of opportunity when it strikes.

This will dictate where you purchase and look for properties based on that number alone.My point is that you always start with the end in mind and work it backwards, this creates the strategy (Buy and hold, flip, Wholesale, Notes) which will be driven by the tactic (SFR, MFR, Mobile homes, Short term rental etc) I always coach people and explain that the property is actually the last piece of the puzzle not the first.Hope this helps

They have the best syndicated data on AirBnB / VRBO metrics including pricing, occupancy and more.

Also how accurate did the paid AirDNA data came out to be?

There are a few prominent folks out there predicting real estate price crashes driven by a foreclosure wave as forbearance ends.

The 2 big commercial real estate insurance brokers in Atlanta are Stirling Risk Insurance and McGriff Insurance if you want a broker to shop it.This is super helpful reference data and thank you Stan for the quote!

I'm not trying to skew any data or fit any storyline.