And in order to have appreciation there must be net population growth.

This would give you some insight to population increase and supply/demand changes!

My firm works with many investors in our highly student populated town.

Alternatively you can target cities with commuter rail access also that'll help with the rental population.

Orlando had an increase in the population of over 60 thousand people last year.

@Austin Largusa The property and the lease/tenant are two distinct items...so, unless you are dealing with a property owned by the housing authority or their subsidiary, built with tax credits or receiving tax credits, it's not a section 8 property...and section 8 is really a mis-used term...it's actually called a Housing Choice Voucher and they are used across many populations from at risk of homelessness, to corrections re-entry...to house veterans, etc.

Sounds like a good deal to me as long as you’re confident in the numbers and the area has strong population/economic growth. 

Since I have never worked with a partner before or owned self storage I would be interested in any advice.The property is a small facility currently 28 units in a town with a 7,000 person population.

I would recommend Columbus over Cincinnati because of our population and job growth.

What were the population demographics in the area and the usual 1, 3, and 5 mile radius?