I might be a little late to the party this morning, but I've been a huge fan of Self Storage for nearly two decades - to the point of using it as my primary RE investment and having divested myself of all the single- and multi-family assets I accumulated in the 1990s.  

The following is the exact language used in my lease addendum regarding tenant care and feeding of the property, also known as Schedule A, a five page addendum made part of the lease signed by the tenant with sections initialed as required to show proof of reading and understanding.The following checked items are furnished by Management as a courtesy to Tenant and are not to be construed in any manner as a part of the rental paid by the Tenant:[X]Stainless Kenmore Refrigerator[X]Stainless Kenmore Stove/oven[X]Whirlpool Dish Washer [X]White Kenmore HD Top Loading Washing Machine[X]White Whirlpool Gas Dryer[X]Wood Extension Ladder 24' [X]Black Garden Hose 25' [X]Wood Workbench x 2 [X]Microwave[X]Ceiling Fan x 2 [X]Window Coverings,10 mini-blinds and one four panel drapery.This/these items are personal property which have been left at the Premises for your convenience.

@Tracy Selfridge its all about relationships and providing raving fan customer service so you have a team of people singing your praises and sending you referrals.

Not a fan of "operate till failure" as has become so common these days.

Hi Chad, I'm a big fan of starting with small multifamily properties.

Big fan of KISS method.

I'm a big fan of spreading around my investments and I think you're off to a great start.

I agree with everything you said -- personally I'm not a fan of landlords who keep places like trash.

While I am a fan of 1031 exchanges in general and find them to be very strategically useful at times, I agree that the stress component isn't always going to be worth it. 

Then there is our preferred choice, because I am not a big fan of partners, value adds.