The chair likely will be worth only 30% of what I bought it for new in 10 years due to wear and tear and technology advances BUT the USE I get out of that chair over 10 years  is amazing.

This is just a hunch but I think these older investors might not fully understand the impact of technology (as highlighted in Long Distance RE Investing) and how it has changed the game and made it possible to invest out of state. 

Some of our tenants are older, don't like technology, they deposit checks into a lock box at our apartment building.

With technology now you can self manage for less than 1/2 hour per week.

The biggest challenge I face is that I have quite a number of tenants that pay in cash and aren't technologically savvy. 

Now toss in the deflationary impact of technological innovation allowing us to be more productive with less workers.

Colleges will now utilize virtual technology for teaching students.

I don’t think so, especially in Texas where people are not familiar with the technology. 

It really depends on whether the contractors in your area are well versed in the technology, and whether you'd want to make that financial investment for this property.

For example, as an independent agent, at most places you will need to purchase your own business cards and marketing material, some also charge you a technology fee ($50+ per month), and some even charge you to print or make copies.