Five years ago, I made the most expensive mistake of my career.

I’d found my first self-storage deal: A solid property, good market, everything looked great.

But I was missing a couple key pieces of info.

I spent weeks trying to lock down some financing. Twelve banks rejected me.

When I finally got one to play ball, I was so relieved I didn’t even realize what I’d signed up for.

… And that deal cost me $320,000 in unnecessary interest payments.

And worst of all, I could’ve avoided it completely if I’d understood how SBA loans actually work.

That’s why I’m writing this series. 

Over the next five emails, I’m walking you through everything you need to know about using SBA loans for self-storage…

The stuff I wish someone had told me before I lit $320,000 on fire.

By the end, you’ll know more about SBA financing than 95% of storage investors out there.

But first, let me show you why this even matters…

💡 Here’s Why SBA Loans Are Your Secret Weapon

Last month, I helped close a deal that perfectly illustrates this.

Two investors. Same market. Both buying facilities valued at roughly $3.2 million with similar square footage and performance metrics.

Investor A used conventional financing: 30% down payment, standard terms.

Investor B used an SBA loan: 10% down payment.

The result:

Investor A is paying $22,418 per month in debt service.

Investor B is only handing over $16,705.

That’s a difference of $5,713 every single month.

Over ten years, that’s $685,000 in additional profit – enough to buy another small facility outright.

Same property value. Same market. The ONLY difference was understanding how to structure the financing.

Here’s what most investors don’t get about SBA loans:

They let you finance up to 90% of acquisitions and new construction.

That means you can control a $2 million facility with $200,000 instead of $700,000.

That’s half a million dollars you can use to:

• Buy another facility

• Fund the expansion that doubles your NOI

• Keep on hand for the next opportunity

And you don’t need a decade of storage experience to qualify. I’ve helped first-time operators secure SBA financing because the bank’s evaluating the DEAL, not just your resume.

That’s why you should care about SBA loans.

Quick question: What’s your biggest concern about financing your next storage deal? Hit reply and let me know. I’m reading every response, and I might even address your specific question in one of the upcoming emails.

Here’s to your success,

Cody