Property Manager vs Software; future of landlording?

[Ian W.]

Recently heard about NestEgg, which is basically a software that helps manage rental properties. The idea sounds great, I'm just not sure if it'll pan out in practice. I've also heard of apps like Rentfolio and Buildium, which seem similar but may be more geared toward the Property Manager rather than the landlord. 

I'm looking for the (mostly) hands-off approach to rentals, so I didn't give the apps much consideration. But it seems, at least in the Chicago market, they have a link to most issues that would arise. 

Brief synopsis of the app: 

-They have a leasing company which lists the property, takes photos, etc.
-Leasing company gets the tenant setup and runs through applications/vets them (fee of 1 month's rent; same as PMs)
-No renewal fee (PMs 200-400)
-Repair requests, tenant pays. This is how NestEgg makes their money where they negotiate the hourly of the contractors down then charge the landlord whatever the going rate is for that service per hour; supposedly the vendors are all vetted and have a 14-day money-back grnt which sounds unheard of. PMs all claim they have good deals with contractors and they get stuff done cheap, but all that I talk to say 50-80/hr for handyman work which seems similar)
-Evictions, this is where it could get sticky. NestEgg auto calls and emails the tenant if the rent doesn't come in, then they leave it up to landlord to serve notice/contact evictions attorney who they refer. The PM is doing the same on their end, but would just be a middleman for coordinating things w the attorney. 
-Walkthroughs, NestEgg (in Chicago area, not sure nationally) can do walkthroughs on request ($100) which seems inline with what PMs would charge. 
-Regular maintenance with PMs is nice, but you're still paying for it. NestEgg sets it up where they give reminders on items that regularly need attention; cleaning furnace, mowing lawn, etc. and then they give suggested vendors to perform those tasks. 

The leasing company can handle any of the questions regarding suggested rent, advice on areas, suggestion on things to fix prior to renting. I'm sure I'm missing some stuff, but with most PMs there are cancellation fees, admin fees, reserves needed. 

Another feature that could be good or bad is there is a direct connection to the tenant through the NestEgg app. My thought is to list my name on the app as 'Property Manager' so they never know they are speaking with the owner. So, like Brandon suggests on the podcast, you always have that buffer -- or perceived buffer. 

I'm going to try out my next rental with NestEgg and see how it goes firsthand, but it seems if you don't mind being 95% hands-off this will save the 7-10% that would otherwise go to the PM. 

What am I missing? Is this the future of landlording?