Buying a self-storage facility can be a strong investment opportunity, but there is more to the process than finding a property and making an offer.
In this episode of Outside the Box, Terry Campbell of Johnson Insurance sits down with Brett Copper, President and Partner of Copper Storage Management, to discuss what buyers should know before entering or expanding in the self-storage industry.
Brett shares practical insight from his experience buying, selling, and managing self-storage facilities. One of the biggest takeaways is that good deals take time. Buyers may need to review many opportunities before finding one that fits their goals, numbers, and long-term strategy.
Terry and Brett discuss what makes a facility a strong value-add opportunity, including rental rates, occupancy, expansion potential, ancillary revenue, operations, and management structure. They also talk about the importance of understanding what is already working at a facility before making changes.
The episode also covers financing options, including conventional lending, owner financing, and SBA financing. Brett shares his experience with the SBA process and how financing can impact cash flow, equity, and future growth.
Management strategy is another key part of the conversation. From owner-operated facilities and on-site managers to remote, hybrid, and third-party management models, buyers need to understand how the facility will operate after closing.
Terry and Brett also highlight due diligence items that can easily be overlooked, such as CapEx needs, claims history, business licenses, sales tax, property tax reassessments, lender requirements, flood insurance, and other local requirements.
For self-storage buyers, the goal is not just to close the deal. It is to understand the opportunity, protect the investment, and avoid costly surprises before and after closing.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- Why finding the right self-storage facility takes time
- What buyers should look for in a value-add opportunity
- Why underwriting matters before making an offer
- How financing options can impact the deal
- Why SBA financing may be helpful for some buyers
- Why management strategy should be planned before closing
- How remote and hybrid management models are changing the industry
- Why CapEx needs and claims history should be part of due diligence
- How flood insurance can become a last-minute surprise
- Why property taxes, licenses, and local requirements should not be overlooked
- Why insurance should be part of the acquisition conversation early
At Johnson Insurance, we help self-storage owners, investors, and commercial property owners review coverage, understand risk, and make informed decisions that support long-term protection.
???? Have questions or want help reviewing your self-storage insurance coverage?
Call us at 800-255-7777.
