Purchasing Six Self-Storage Facilities in Two Years with Tony Pernelli

Purchasing Six Self-Storage Facilities in Two Years with Tony Pernelli - Feature Image

Tony Pernelli – is a self-storage investor from Pennsylvania who got his start investing in multifamily and flips. In this week’s episode, you’ll hear how he self-managed over 100 residential doors while holding down a full-time job and why that experience pushed him into investing in self-storage facilities. In just two years, Tony has built a portfolio of 6 facilities and counting in several locations in the South.

In this episode we talk to Tony about purchasing his first self-storage facility, what was it that attracted him to storage from working a full-time job while managing over 100 residential units. The very simple airport method he uses to decide on markets he wishes to invest in, and finally some of the unexpected frustrations he faces as a self-storage owner.

Post-Interview Analysis 

  • Key Lessons Learned. When you are dealing with residential real estate, there are two main factors you are dealing with – mechanical systems and people. The benefit of storage is the people's interaction is diminished and the mechanical systems are simplified. 
  • How did they acquire their knowledge or what knowledge did they need to acquire? He’s had to learn how to evaluate self-storage opportunities. 
  • How much money did it take to get started? He put down 25% on a $305,000 self-storage facility, so about $61,000.
  • How much time does it take now? He spends about four to six hours a week on acquisitions, but only about an hour on management.
  • Could they do this strategy from anywhere in the world? Yes, he currently invests at a distance.

Episode Highlights: 

  • Schedule a video chat with Neil Henderson at roadtofamilyfreedom.com/selfstoragecall
  • Purchasing his first self-storage facility
  • What attracted him to self-storage after self-managing 100 residential units while holding down a full-time job
  • The very simple airport method he uses to decide which markets he will invest in
  • Some unexpected frustrations he faces as a self-storage owner
  • And much more…

Books and Resources Mentioned

Follow Us:

Other Stuff:

  • If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests.
  • For show notes and past guests, please visit roadtofamilyfreedom.com/episodes/
  • Discover the tools and services we use, visit roadtofamilyfreedom.com/resources/

About the author, Neil

Neil Henderson is the co-host of The Road to Family Freedom, a self-storage investor, and avowed proponent of short-term rental house hacking. He founded The Road to Family Freedom to guide busy parents to financial freedom through passive real estate investing.