He was an engineer so you'd have thought he had an inkling of that disaster.  

I am looking for advice or experience from someone who has financial engineered a deal in the past where I could possibly do this deal on my own.

I currently live in SE PA, more specifically in Horsham which is about an hour north of Philly.I currently am a mechanical engineer at a small company.

The storage container is just the shell.I would consult a contractor, architect/engineer, or even maybe a permit expeditor. 

I read that I'd need a structural engineer to verify.

(you can find how much suspended passive losses you currently have on your IRS Form 8582 - which your CPA is likely not giving to you and in that case you should get a new one)PS - I am not an CPA or attorney but I became financially free doing this for myself after 10 years working as a w2 engineer :

I have an AA in interior design as well as a BS in Construction Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona. 

I am fortunate to have a good job out of engineering undergrad and want to create financial independence for my family. 

Maybe draw her the analogy - if you buy a new car and six months later the engine goes bad.

On the demand side, demographics are the big, invisible engine driving this machine.