I'd want something easier if I was in your shoes. 

Downstairs has high ceilings throughout, a beautiful staircase, original 5 panel doors, french doors, an extra large kitchen, dining room, family room, bedroom, full bath, indoor laundry and tons of storage.

@Michael Wagner @Kris BensonI know it would've been a long response, I just wanted to break down self storage into those categories so if anyone knew about one specific part, that would help me out. 

Or would our better option be renting it out as a storage space?  

I was in your shoes two years ago and this is a great first step, honestly.

Not having walked in these particular shoes before, I don't have the benefit of any foresight as to what issues may arise.Thanks in advance for your collective insight.

Ive got to sink 5k into the site to get the back usable by my business and fence in 6k square feet for vehicle and equipt storage. 

It's important for me to think about how I would feel if I were in the occupants shoes.

There are plenty of split use properties (like the family farm or a self storage building behind a home, or a basement rental, or even a Bed and Breakfast with live in hosts where the rental is not on a separate deed or even in a separate building.  

Thanks for reading, I'm hoping to get some insight from people who have been in my shoes before (which I'm certain is all of you haha).