I understand that real estate is viewed as one of the safest, most reliable asset classes but in the age of rapid technological evolution I feel that there are other opportunities that could out-perform while maintaining liquidity.A little background about myself I am a 23 year old graduate student looking to aquire my first property later this year. 

PM is all about systems and processes and technology, and most PMCs are stuck in 1995.

I think you are thinking correctly about leveraging your current home to increase your wealth, and maybe the fact it is your first home is making it more difficult. I

Just because they are established doesn't mean they have the systems, technologies, and strategies in place to proactively vet guests and deter bad guests from booking in the first place.

Solving problems is a dying art thanks to the combined effects of the US public school system, never ending bounty of technology / app distractions, our shallow culture, no sense of delayed gratification, and disengaged parents.  

Kyler,It sounds like you would have liked to have a way to find EXACTLY what your brokerage firm is about.And I mean in terms of commission split model, the property they specialize in, contract & legal help, sending you leads, mentorship, technology & marketing.Does this sound about right?

I feel like house-hacking is one of the best ways to get started in the game because of preferable rates w/ owner-occupied financing and the chance to learn about land-lording with less difficulty because you live at the property too! 

Just to have an agent rostered on my team before they produce a dime, Im out of pocket $12k per year with technology and insurance costs.Your team owner isnt getting the entirety of the amount either.

My conversations have been largely technology focused.

By leveraging technology you can control access, monitor the property via security cameras, correspond with tenants instantly and collect payments/send docs etc.