Is there anything else you would suggest to a person in my position with no experience in the way of storage but with a lot of construction experience (being an engineer) and verbal commitments from other silent investors interested in investing in something of this size with me.

I am just getting started in the process, but my wife and I are committed to purchasing our first rental property.  

I have dipped my toes in the water as far as starting the learning process with real estate but have not made the commitment to learn as well as act until I joined this website.

It's possible he's not 100% committed to selling. 

However, the larger their deposit is, the better you understand their commitment to the deal.

Thanks @Christian - I wouldn't mean to commit mortgage fraud.  

"Delayed Financing":  term threw me for a loop as the financing at COE was already committed. 

I am finally making that commitment and have a long term plan of moving back to my home town of Antigo Wisconsin and start investing in freedom from the hourly grind.I have done probably what is described as over-educating but I still feel like I have so much more to learn.

I'd proceed with caution, and thoroughly analyze all those expenses before committing to anything.

If you want to follow your dreams and move, it sounds like you will retire in 2 years if you commit to this full time.