EP456: Discover How Joe Downs Raised $15M and Acquired 20+ Self-Storage Facilities Worth $52M in 6 Years

What does it take to scale from zero to over $52 million in self-storage assets in just six years? 

In this insightful episode, Joe Downs reveals how he raised $15 million and built a portfolio of over 20 self-storage facilities by mastering off-market deals, partnering strategically, and adapting to market conditions. He breaks down his transition from multifamily to self-storage, explains how he built a vertically integrated team from scratch, and shares the exact steps that helped him launch and scale a real estate investment company while still working his W2 job. If you're an investor looking to break into self-storage—or scale fast—Joe’s story is a must-listen. 

5 Key Takeaways from Joe Downs’ Episode:

1. From Multifamily to Storage:
   Joe started in multifamily but found more scalability, deal flow, and operational control in self-storage.
2. Off-Market Deal Mastery:
   Nearly all 20+ facilities were sourced off-market, using direct mail, broker relationships, and seller outreach.
3. Built a Vertically Integrated Team:
   Joe hired third-party management initially but quickly transitioned to a fully integrated in-house team across operations, construction, and marketing.
4. Raised $15M with Limited Prior Experience:
   By building trust, showing transparency, and proving capability, Joe successfully raised millions—even before having a massive track record.
5. Balanced Scaling While Employed:
   Joe built the business part-time at first, making strategic hires and systemizing early so he could transition out of his W2 and into full-time investing.

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares. 

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation 
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai