Bigger Pockets has some great state forums and usually there are good locals that monitor those.

We're monitored by the SEC for all investment and second job activities that could pose a conflict of interest.

It seems wasteful to have Wi-Fi hardware installed inside a locked cabinet (i.e. cellular hotspot or local broadband), that is only there in the basement for the purpose of talking to our smart lock, but I feel like this might be the only practical solution to have immediate, live access to a smart lock for the purpose of monitoring a smart lock, but maybe that's just where technology is at.

Many cities have big restrictions and monitor STR, so when you get caught doing it, either the owner or the city might shut you down, but you'll still be obligated to the lease. 

Smart home technology, powered by AI, enables remote monitoring of properties, predictive maintenance, and energy optimization.

Look for areas with job growth, population growth, and a strong local economy.Network with real estate professionals: Build relationships with real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and property management companies to gain access to potential investment opportunities and valuable market insights.Evaluate potential properties: Conduct thorough due diligence on potential properties, including a property inspection, title search, and review of financial and market data.Secure financing: Consider your financing options and secure the necessary funding to purchase your properties.Manage your properties: Hire a property management company to handle the day-to-day operations of your properties or consider managing them yourself if you have the skills and resources.Monitor and adjust: Regularly monitor the performance of your properties and make adjustments as necessary to ensure they continue to generate positive cash flow and meet your investment goals.This step-by-step plan can help you build a successful real estate investment portfolio of cash-flowing properties, but it’s important to remember that real estate investing can be complex and subject to market fluctuations.

It is by taking equity, extracting out via HELOC/REFI/Sale, that you effectively grow your net worth.When you monitor ROE, you can see which properties are doing well and which ones aren't.

Monitoring or following key players may be a best practice.

You won't scale as fast and it won't be as easy.If you want cashflow, try being a private lender instead as in the current economy, this is a very important position with priority on cashflow.Some other suggestions :Monitor your HELOC interest as they are variable in most cases.

I know people monitor the MLS diligently and make offers very quickly on good deals.