When your rental property loses $30,000 and attracts squatters, it’s time to pivot—and Sean Graham did just that. In this episode, Sean returns for part two of his conversation with Eugene Gershman to dive deep into self storage, one of the most resilient and underappreciated asset classes in real estate. From analyzing market demand to dealing with REIT competition, Sean breaks down exactly how and why self storage has become his investment vehicle of choice. You’ll hear how he leverages his CPA background to bridge tax strategy with real estate execution, and why choosing quality over cash flow on paper saved him time, stress, and money.
Guest Bio
Sean Graham is a CPA and founder of Maven Cost Segregation, specializing in helping real estate investors legally reduce their taxable income through advanced depreciation strategies. With a background in tax and a passion for real estate, Sean has transitioned from the corporate world to become a full-time investor and entrepreneur. He now focuses heavily on self storage developments and acquisitions, combining financial expertise with on-the-ground investing experience.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:00 The appeal of self storage: simplicity, tech-enabled management, and fewer headaches
02:00 Sean’s journey from tax world to real estate syndication
04:00 Why self storage qualifies for SBA loans and how that changes the financing game
05:30 REITs vs. mom-and-pop operators: who wins and where?
07:50 Market analysis tools and why saturation levels matter
09:45 It’s an art, not a science: secret shopping and demand testing
10:50 Ideal facility size and what attracts REIT buyers
12:00 Development timelines and inspector nightmares
13:00 What investors care about: IRRs, equity multiples, and yield thresholds
14:30 Rent per square foot comparisons with multifamily
17:20 The suburban sweet spot: where Sean operates and why
18:30 Lessons learned: why high quality assets attract better tenants and reduce stress
21:00 Sean’s offer for podcast listeners and how to connect with him
Contact Information
Sean Graham
Website: https://mavencostseg.com/EG
Email: sean@mavencostseg.com
To learn more about the show and Eugene Gershman, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
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