Partially because you did not rent it for an entire year but mostly because of upfront expenses: getting it ready for rent, buying furniture, electronics, and other furnishings, stocking up on initial supplies, and so on.

Are they efficient at doing the electronic payments from the tenant's account to the landlord's account?

For example, we have a private network just for our team's devices that's hidden from guest. 

I have a duplex with one meter and I use a Sense (https://sense.com/) device to monitor the total KWH that the upstairs unit is using I then take the electric bill and split the bill up based on the amount of power drawn by the upstairs unit vs the total usage.

I don't know if this is one of the new things or not, but this is now in there under 3.7.7, "You also acknowledge and agree that we may on occasion offer discount pricing for your Property; provided that (i) any such offers will be available with respect to a broad number of Listings and not limited to your Property; (ii) we will provide you with electronic notice of such discount(s); and (iii) you may opt out of a particular offer."

I have also heard concerns about removal and tampering with these devices. - Water: I'm currently including water in rent for both of my buildings, because I've luckily not had to meter my water use.

Electronic keypad deadbolts.

I want to leave a lock box on our shirt term rental in case there is a problem with the electronic lock.

He has had many mobile devices (tablets, cell phones..ect..) lost and stolen.

Tenants on electronic autopay, so easy.