Self-storage is one of the most attractive asset classes for investors and business buyers—and in this episode of Acquisitions Academy, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with Anne Mino of Live Oak Bank, a self-storage lender, owner, and investor, to explain why.

Anne breaks down why self-storage is more than just commercial real estate: it’s a cash-flowing business backed by commercial real estate. With strong operations, facilities can generate 65–70% profit margins, while certain financing structures can offer 25-year loan terms, creating significant advantages over many traditional business acquisitions.

For beginners, Anne explains how SBA 7(a) loans can provide an entry point into self-storage—even for buyers without previous industry experience. She discusses the importance of approximately 10% equity injection, post-closing liquidity, credit scores, cash flow, and full financial transparency when approaching lenders.

One of Anne’s favorite strategies is finding the “ugly kid on the nice block”—a neglected or poorly operated facility located in an otherwise strong market. Instead of paying a premium for a fully optimized property, buyers can look for opportunities where better management, technology, marketing, and operations can create value.

Anne also shares a practical approach to evaluating local self-storage opportunities. She recommends driving your market, checking facilities' websites and online rental capabilities, and studying competition within a 3–5 mile radius. Local demographics, housing, employment, competition, and the condition of the facility can all help determine whether a deal deserves deeper investigation.

Mike and Anne also compare self-storage with other acquisition opportunities, including roofing companies, trucking businesses, and other small businesses, highlighting the differences in margins, financing, and real estate backing.

You'll discover:
• Why self-storage can produce 65–70% profit margins
• How self-storage combines a business with commercial real estate
• Why some facilities qualify for longer 25-year loan terms
• How beginners can use SBA 7(a) financing to acquire self-storage
• What lenders look for beyond the 10% equity injection
• Why post-closing liquidity is critical
• How credit, character, and financial transparency affect financing

Featured Guest: Anne Mino
Anne Mino is a self-storage lender, owner, and investor with Live Oak Bank, specializing in financing opportunities for self-storage entrepreneurs and investors.

📧 Email: anne.mino@liveoak.bank
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anne-mino
🌐 Live Oak Bank Self-Storage Lending: liveoak.bank/business-loans/self-storage/

Quotes from Anne Mino:

“You want to be the one flipping the property, not buying a property that's already been flipped.”

“My favorite thing to do is just help people get into this asset class.”

“The earlier you get started, the better.”

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Welcome Back To Acquisitions Academy
01:34 Introducing Anne Mino & Self-Storage Lending
02:51 Why Self-Storage Margins Are So Attractive
04:37 Driving Your Market & Finding Opportunities
05:39 The “Ugly Kid On The Nice Block” Strategy
08:19 Self-Storage Due Diligence
10:32 Self-Storage vs. Roofing, Trucking & Other Acquisitions
12:10 Conventional vs. SBA Loans
13:43 SBA 7(a) Financing & 10% Equity Injection
15:33 Post-Closing Liquidity Requirements
17:08 JV Partners & Deal Structure
19:00 Credit, Character & Full Disclosure
20:11 Self-Storage Office Hours
21:26 Live Oak Bank's Self-Storage Lending
22:12 How To Connect With Anne
24:16 Building Wealth Through Real Estate
25:31 Why You Should Start Early
26:09 Final Thanks & Episode Wrap

#SelfStorage #SelfStorageInvesting #SBA7a #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #BusinessAcquisitions #AcquisitionsAcademy #LiveOakBank #AnneMino #MikeAbramowitz