Regardless of what strangers on the internet with something to sell will tell you, cash flow/income from real estate in the first few years is kind of a myth unless you pay cash for a property or have a well executed short term rental or rent by the room property.

AI is just the latest tech tool.So, they'll be good uses of it and bad.Just like the internet, PMC software, PMC support software, etc..Personally, I think the best uses will be:1) Answering repetitive owner & tenant questions- Will actually provide more human-like responses once "programmed" properly.2) Responding to tenant prospects too lazy to actually read property postings, so they call, email or text repetitive questions.3) Enhancing followup tasks- Will actually provide more human-like responses once "programmed" properly.4) Make data analysis & aggregation MUCH easier!

I often see on BP people trying to save money by turning to internet instead of paying a lawyer.

All our ads are online, so you need internet access:1) To find them2) We only schedule showings online3) To apply online4) To submit applications docs online5) Holding Agreements and Lease are only signed onlineFunny story: took over management of a property with existing tenant.

The phone / Internet line item - can you give more details what exactly thats for?

It protects both sides and makes the security deposit process smoother.Utilities and WiFi — Make sure you’re clear on what’s included and that your internet is solid.

Fire hydrants, water availability, electric, internet, road access, road traffic, road turn outs, zoning- normally not an issue in Texas countryside, storm pond or drains, internal road surfaces, etc.  

.:  As they say, the internet is forever.

In regards to the manager they sound sleazy just fire them, it's unlikely they actually sue you for $1800 the lawyer would cost more then that, you can post negative reviews about them all over the internet for a bit of leverage if needed. 

Regardless there are many more tax benefits other than depreciation - mortgage interest, repair costs, mileage for your vehicle, home office deduction (and thus percentage of utilities/internet etc), home office products, materials for repairs, property management costs, property taxes etc.