I have been considering ways of generating passive income in the world of technology, I work full-time as a systems administrator, and I had never taken real estate investment seriously until my wife and I decided that we wanted to mov recently.

I work in Information Technology and with the acceleration of jobs going off shore in my field and with companies bringing in landed resources from abroad to work IT in the States I am not sure if I can last that long.My plan is to buy and hold multi-family homes and small apartment building's.

What would you price your rental if you were offering the exact same area but a brand new home, with new stainless steel appliances, vinyl or laminate and new technology like usb outlets, ring door bell/nest thermostat

We then pile on a lot of technology.

That said, if you take the time to connect with an investor-friendly realtor that will steer you in the right direction, get and vet references for a contractor, structure your payments to align the contractor's best interests with yours, and utilize technology (videos for walk throughs) as well as your agent to validate the work done there is no reason why you can't be successful.I would also consider taking on a partner for your first one.

Since technology is getting better and better every day is it possible to get a zoned system with the Nest thermostat?

Why not a BS in Architectural Technology with a minor in Construction management? 

On the plus side the affordable care act reduced my expenses by $6000.00 per year and I have a $145,000.00 contract for technology services this year. 

This community is amazing and the tools within this technology are very helpful for any new investor.

Why I picked up on Pittburgh, and why Baltimore didn't get on my radar, is that Pittsburgh seems to be getting past its rusty old industrial economy to one based more information age technology.