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August 7, 2025 38 mins

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DISCOVER THE HIDDEN INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE GOLDMINE

Uncover the secrets of Industrial Outdoor Storage investing with Blake Rodgers from Steel Peak Properties! 🏗️ This lesser-known asset class is generating massive returns while traditional industrial real estate faces headwinds. Learn how Blake built a $500 million acquisition pipeline by specializing in properties with small buildings and large outdoor storage yards.

WHY INDUSTRIAL OUTDOOR STORAGE BEATS TRADITIONAL WAREHOUSES

While everyone chases Amazon warehouses and distribution centers, smart investors are capitalizing on Industrial Outdoor Storage facilities that serve construction companies, equipment rental businesses, and logistics operations. These properties feature 20-25% building coverage compared to traditional industrial's 35-50%, meaning the real value lies in the zoned land and outdoor storage capabilities.

TARGET TENANTS AND CASH FLOW OPPORTUNITIES

Industrial Outdoor Storage serves high-demand tenants including United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, crane companies, and construction contractors who need secure yard space for equipment storage. These businesses sign triple-net leases and require specialized zoning that creates natural barriers to entry, protecting your investment returns.

UNDERWRITING STRATEGIES FOR MAXIMUM RETURNS

Blake reveals his value-add approach focusing on vacant properties or short-term leases under three years. The key metrics include building coverage ratios, zoning compliance, and stabilization timelines of 6-9 months. Unlike traditional cap rate analysis, Industrial Outdoor Storage requires return-on-cost calculations with 3-5 year hold periods for optimal exits.

GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS AND MARKET SELECTION

Steel Peak Properties targets major Western US markets including San Diego, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Southern California. These land-constrained markets with strong industrial fundamentals provide natural supply limitations and consistent tenant demand from growing construction and logistics sectors.

VALUE-ADD IMPROVEMENTS THAT DRIVE RENTS

Discover how minimal capital expenditures generate significant rent increases through building improvements like additional roll-up doors, exterior upgrades, yard grading, security systems, and lighting enhancements. These strategic improvements typically cost far less than traditional industrial renovations while delivering comparable return premiums.

CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS VS TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIAL

While traditional industrial faces oversupply challenges from COVID-era development, Industrial Outdoor Storage remains strong in construction-focused markets. Blake explains why this specialized asset class continues showing rent growth and stabilization success despite broader industrial market softening.

DEAL SOURCING THROUGH BROKER RELATIONSHIPS

Learn Blake's systematic approach to building relationships with specialized industrial brokers who control most seller relationships in this niche market. This strategy proves more effective than direct mail or cold calling due to the sophisticated nature of commercial industrial transactions.

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