yes, such owners do exist and some own multiple facilities, all of which are unmanned. A call center handles incoming phone traffic and a kiosk is used for payment, issuing codes, etc.

It can be done, but this doesn't mean it should be done by everyone. Like most things, remote is not for all owners. On a smaller scale, the ones I work with who have it typically have an HQ site that IS manned, and a couple of other facilities that are remotely operated. Access, video, and management software allows them to remotely keep up with day-to-day activity, and there are communications tools that bridge the distance.

It's not magical or mystical; it's just an alternative business model for a segment of the industry.