Stored value

A growing number of real estate investors looking at the Gulf Coast are choosing to park their money where a lot of customers park their stuff — in self-storage.

From the Value Self Storage in Venice to the StoreSmart in Naples, self-storage transactions have been more frequent this year, and prices keep rising.

Michael Mele, senior vice president of investments and founder of Tampa's The Mele Group of Marcus & Millichap, has seen his group's transaction volume increase by more than 30% this year. His group specializes in self-storage properties.