Went to a Saturday auction that was advertised on AuctionZip (yes, I know I broke my #1 rule.) There were 30 units advertised and I couldn't believe it, there were 29 for sale when I got there. I knew something was up when I heard that. It just doesn't happen like that. I just figured that the facility hadn't had an auction in while or they had a lot of abandoned units. Sure enough, the facility hadn't had an auction in several months due to the former manager getting sick and resigning.
After seeing the units, it looked like they hadn't had an auction in 15 years. I've never seen so many tube televisions, dusty couches & mattresses from the 1980's.
Anyway, there were a few good units that came up early, but they were bid up so high, there was no money to be made. I just sat back and watched the newbies throw away their rent money. Units 5-27 were garbage in my opinion. Of course that didn't stop the newbies from spending hundreds of dollars on units with just a few boxes and totes. Finally, unit #28, a 10X25 packed with stuff. Got it for $780. I can see the return on my money from the door and there are about 50-80 boxes of unknowns that will be my profit. It's going to be some work, but I think it will be worth it.
I think the reason I got such a good deal on it was because 1. none of the whales were there 2. most of the other bidders had spent their bankroll on other units.
Sometimes good things come to those who wait. Seems like whenever there are a lot of units, the deals get better closer to the end of the auction.