Considering your goal of house hacking a duplex, while FHA loans are common for first-timers, there are alternative financing options to explore:Conventional Loans: Need more credit and down payment, but offer flexibility. 203K Loans: Ideal for fixer-upper duplexes, bundling purchase and renovation costs.VA Loans: Great for vets—no down payment, competitive rates, and no mortgage insurance.Portfolio Loans: Private lenders, good for unconventional income or credit histories.Hard Money Loans: Quick, high-interest, good for investments or major renovations.With $30,000, mix it up—use it for a down payment, maybe pair with a conventional or FHA loan.

Also, the properties they manage, I am told are typically not well maintained. 

Below are a few ideas to think about.Appraisal Concerns: Include a clause in the counteroffer to address any potential gap if the appraisal comes in lower than the offer price.Closing Costs: If the requested $10k seems high, propose a lower amount or adjust the sale price to cover some of these costs.Escrow Deposit: Counter with a higher deposit to ensure buyer commitment.Financing Contingency: Make sure there's a clause that protects you if the buyer’s financing falls through.VA Requirements: Understand and prepare for the specific requirements and inspections associated with VA loans.Professional Advice: Consult with a real estate agent or legal professional for tailored advice.Communication: Maintain open communication with the buyers for a smooth negotiation process.Best of luck with your sale,KC

That's possibly 40 fans you have to maintain and the chances of several a year needing replacement are very high. 

I have to hold and maintain that property for years.

It is a great way to maintain consistency and have product instantly available.

Do you find yourself dedicating a lot of time to the business personally or is it almost entirely passive for you with your full-timers handling 99% of the day to day?

I guess my real goal is to retire from the insurance business and become a full time RE investor.

Is there potential for AI and robotics to mitigate the impact of this trend by filling workforce gaps and maintaining or increasing productivity? 

Regular inspections are crucial to maintain the property’s condition; aim to visit at least quarterly if possible, or hire a property manager to conduct these inspections for you.