The technology and AI are tailored specifically for real estate professionals who are looking to acquire properties or attract investors.

I will add, with technology, it is quite easy for overseas investors to invest practically anywhere in the US.

So most agents are only putting about half of that $12k in their pocket, and out of that $6k they have to cover all of their operating expenses: licensing fees, MLS/ Realtor Association fees, continuing education classes to stay compliant with licensing requirements, monthly "desk" fees/ technology fees to their brokerage, health insurance for themselves and their family, errors and omissions insurance (required), marketing, car, car insurance, gas, clothes, computer/ software, cell phone, closing gifts, signs, photography, staging if they offer that, etc.

But as time goes and technology advances, we may not even need this anymore. 

Focus on multifamily properties, explore value-add opportunities, and use technology for efficiency.

(although, with the new smart phone technology, they do require gmail accounts, as such, sending from that account from your phone is fine, but you should be sending to people who already know you have a real email account.

Their concept is not new and has been around for ages with people renting rooms in college towns and more expensive markets (NYC, LA) however this is a centralized more hands off management approach to self managing by letting them do all the heavy lifting for you which allows you to scale in less time so yes the concept definitely works and even better with their technology behind it.

Most companies in the area are 10-15 years behind on PM technology.

Right now, the technology is not yet suitable for small projects, simply because the transactional costs are way too high and there's no secondary market.

Technology is a good partner the more you know on your own.You should make a list of areas you might be interested in first - maybe you lived there or have friends there, you always wanted to go there - and then compare that list to some best areas list, do some of your own research, and then use a major data tool to look.