I personally don't quite see any of these positions being completely eliminated due to AI, at least not in the forseeable future. 

The energy in person is different for me, and I've made some of my best connections and friends at Chicago meetups.Here is a list of the Chicago event from BP: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a list of ALL THE CHICAGO MEETUPS that I am happy to share with you. 

Not really worth the time for me.As someone who has written a bunch of algorithms over the years, I am pretty sure there is much more that goes into the results for each person other than the obvious.

Quote from @Pixel Rogue: Personally, I think you are over-thinking this.

I always remember that rockstars know rockstars, so find someone who is a mover and shaker - likely a meetup host - and then ask them who they know.The people doing 100 flips are super busy, so I've also found the best person to find is someone who is a step or two ahead of me...so maybe for you, that is someone doing 2-3 flips a year. 

There is no universal right or wrong, it's personal, it should be a strategy that enhances your life not takes away from it.

It's always a personal choice everyone has a different perspective.   

We purchased an RV last year under our personal names that is primarily used for business travel.

Personally, if your market tends toward the former condition (better/normal appreciation) I think it's a fairly safe deal looking at the long term, assuming infrastructure around you continues to support the idea of renting it.

I personally left San Diego in 2017 and bought my home in Riverside County for $155,000.