I think its just leveraging your local real estate agent is probably your best bet or maybe even possibly getting your RE license if you start doing enough deals. 

@Linda WestI would bet your contract indemnifies the pm for any costs associated like this.

It's kind of like insurance.As far as the ideal time to buy a house, I'd assume we continue to see home prices come down a few % points over the next several months, but as interest rates continue to rise I'd bet you see your mortgage payment be about the same.

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, since I don't think there's much of a downside of doing it.Personally I don't do gifts because (1) at a certain number of doors it's going do be a hassle. (2) it creates the expectation that I'll be giving them those things every year. (3) I'd be willing to bet the benefit of giving gifts/cards is negligible when it comes to tenant retention I think the best thing you can do to keep your tenants happy is to be a good landlord and that will help with retention of your tenants. 

@Nina Grayson I bet!

Best bet is to consult a Real Estate Attorney, pay them for their time (usually $300-400/hour) and have them help you navigate the legalities of this particular situation.

If I were in your physical shoes, I would definitely use that one unit as a way to put together a renovation plan.

I can't speak for the mastermind/academy you mentioned, but if you're starting out, connecting and spending time with people who are investing in or are looking to invest in self storage is the best bet to go about it.

Your best bet is to speak with your insurance broker or attorney about this. 

@Ebony PentonIf your dti is too high then yes your best bet is to get friends and family or look to refi into a DSCR loan