I dont know much about self storage so probably shouldn't be commenting at all... but, even though its 'self' storage, isn't there a level of management that can take time...with a number of units, inevitably dealing with people to check it out, sign contract, move out, deal with locked out with no keys, etc etc.

I didn't see the 400k limit listed anywhere in the other thread:https://www.biggerpockets.com/... and then Bigger Pockets locked the thread and sent out an email to all their users about it.

@Dave Wittnauer Consider the opinions here as I don't know your situation but from a lender's perspective 1 year leases are EASIER to lock down financing from an investment property loan perspective but depends on who is buying and who is underwriting the loan. 

I'm a loan officer, from my perspective a few strong suggestions:1) Identify that you are doing this EARLY in the process - before we've locked the rate, before disclosures go out, before the appraisal is ordered.

cash out refi to lock in today's rate... heloc's rates are variable. keep the home, use the cash to fund your next deal, smaller margins on profit on the initial property but now you have equity appreciation on both

Looking for Realtor to help with docs and have the locks changed.  

It is one of the unfortunate things about the real estate industry, data is locked behind a paywall. 

This is a fantastic time to lock in a 30-year rate. 

When we lock up properties for our investors, we always ask the seller if they're willing to finance the deal.

. - mortgage rates could fluctuate depending on how long it took me to actually find a property and get a contract on (although one bank I found would offer a rate lock for 60 days - If rates drop, mine drops.