The biggest impact AI has in our business I believe is follow up re-engagement and appointment setting.

If you have your own business/self-employed you might qualify for a Solo 401(k) or multi-participant 401k whereby you can self-direct into real estate with those funds. 

You don't always have to incentivize a tenant with a discount to get the tenant to stay, nor keep rents stagnant, but it is good to be aware of the business impact with respect to cost too.

It forces me to get real familiar with my business and how my properties are performing.

To survive, you have to know that is a business however, not a job. 

I highly suggest you use our marketplaces to find trusted, investor-friendly team members: Tax Pro finder: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/tax-and-financ...Lender finder: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/lendersProperty manager finder (if you go that route and don't self manage): https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/property-manag...

To clarify, I have been studying real estate for several years, but have been otherwise engaged in operating  other businesses that my wife and I both own, both as CFO and CEO roles.

I figure this would be really helpful for anyone in our business.

The wife and I are starting a real estate investing business.

High taxes, a declining population, and an environment that is less than friendly to businesses are important factors to consider.