It's a 3 bedroom house and we plan to use technology such as a smart lock, WIFI exterior cameras, and a smart thermostat.

Flexibility in Loan Terms: Josh offered a unique hybrid product that let my friend lock in a portion at a fixed rate while leaving the rest variable.

You cannot be locked in 100% all the time. 

Additionally, they have another property which has appreciated in value, carries low interest rates, but has negative cashflow and essentially feels like it just locks money away.

That really isn't good enough in our opinion.Another option for you is if your property is in a realtively safe area, to install a wi-fi connected smart lock.

Are your losses locked up against your passive income?

Turning over management via a triple net lease is a great way to lock in superior cash flow thru a 15%+ long term lease.

Quote from @Locke Tucker: What type of rental is it?

If it furthers our goal of a couple acres and a home in Texas in 8-11 years without being a slave to the system, I’m all ears. 

The interest rate is nice, if there was a way to increase the cash flow to ~15% or greater COC you could pull a HELOC on the property for 9% and collect the delta.again though, i would suggest selling it and trying to lock up a property or two with the proceeds that required some sweat equity, force appreciation through a reno, rent it out, refinance and repeat (BRRRR)