S2E28: Why Most Storage Investors Lose Deals After Negotiating Happens

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo reconnects with Dan Wentzel after his call with the owner of the 53,000-square-foot storage facility. Going into the conversation, the opportunity looked extremely promising: seller financing was on the table, the facility was 100% occupied, and the deal had the potential to generate well over six figures in annual cash flow.   But during the call, the seller shifted directions completely.   Instead of pursuing seller financing, the owner revealed he now wants to cash out and complete a 1031 exchange into another property—primarily to avoid an upcoming Washington state tax increase. Suddenly, the structure of the deal changes, the financing strategy changes, and the entire opportunity has to be reevaluated.   What makes this episode powerful isn't just the negotiation shift—it's the mindset battle that follows.   As Dan starts slipping back into discouragement and assuming the deal is "another one that comes and goes," Alex immediately steps in to challenge the pattern. Through direct coaching, he pushes Dan to stop allowing past experiences to shape future expectations and reminds him that negotiation changes are not rejection—they're simply part of the process.   The conversation also breaks down advanced deal structuring concepts, including hybrid seller financing offers, using banks alongside seller carrybacks, and why giving sellers multiple offer options often leads to better outcomes.   This episode is a masterclass in adaptability, negotiation strategy, and learning how to stay emotionally steady when deals evolve in unexpected ways.   ⸻   You'll Learn How To:   • Adapt quickly when sellers change deal terms mid-negotiation • Structure multiple creative financing offers to increase flexibility • Use hybrid financing strategies with banks and seller carrybacks • Avoid letting past failed deals influence current opportunities • Stay emotionally grounded when negotiations shift unexpectedly • Reframe setbacks as opportunities to improve deal structure • Focus on solving problems instead of fearing rejection   ⸻   What You'll Learn in This Episode:   [0:05] Recap of the $4.5M seller-financed opportunity and projected cash flow [1:40] Dan's mindset going into the seller conversation [2:01] Why focusing on the seller removed pressure from the call [3:32] The seller's major pivot away from seller financing [4:01] Why the seller now wants a 1031 exchange instead [5:11] The impact of Washington state tax changes on the seller's motivation [6:13] Why experienced sellers sometimes bluff competing offers [6:52] The mistake of overthinking seller conversations [7:45] How financing changes affect deal structure and cash flow [8:39] Exploring hybrid financing: bank loan + seller carryback [9:44] Why giving sellers multiple offers creates flexibility [10:33] Structuring lower all-cash offers vs creative financing offers [11:23] Dan slipping back into discouragement after the call [12:10] Why your past does not determine your future results [13:17] The danger of repeating the same negative thought patterns [14:26] "Stop rewriting the same chapter" mindset analogy [15:35] Running multiple underwriting scenarios before the next offer [16:02] Why you can't negotiate scared to lose the deal [17:15] The importance of continuously strengthening your mindset [18:10] Replacing negative thinking patterns with intentional focus   ⸻   Who This Episode Is For:   • Investors navigating changing seller expectations during negotiations • Listeners struggling with discouragement after deals shift or stall • Anyone learning how to structure creative financing offers • Entrepreneurs battling negative thought patterns or self-doubt • People who need to become more adaptable during negotiations • Investors trying to stay emotionally steady through uncertainty   ⸻   Why You Should Listen:   Most deals don't fall apart because of the numbers.   They fall apart because investors struggle emotionally when things stop going according to plan.   This episode shows how quickly negotiations can shift—and why successful investors stay flexible, emotionally grounded, and solution-oriented when they do. From creative financing pivots to mindset breakthroughs, this conversation highlights the importance of staying focused on possibilities instead of problems.   If you've ever felt discouraged after a seller changed terms, rejected an offer, or shifted directions entirely, this episode will help you respond with confidence instead of fear.   ⸻   Follow Alex Pardo here:   • Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ • Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 • Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 • Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo • Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/   ⸻   Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/