I did my usual response asking if they have been to the area before, bringing a dog etc. with no response.

Wanted to know if landscaping is a tax deductable expense in general and if it differs when one unit is owner occupied.

Couldn't disagree more.I am the owner of multiple businesses, and I've never had one "make money day 1".  

The Annual Owner Statement should break down all the expenses that the owner's tax professional then figures out how to deduct and on what tax schedule.

Should you add a playground or dog park, or would your money be better spent on putting in gated access?

One unit being owner occupied doesn't change the number of units there.

So are you looking for a lender to refinance out of the owner financed note, or are you looking for a lender who will lend your downpayment behind the owner financing?

Do I have to disclose the sale to the property owner?

Ease of working with owner = easier for you to cohost --- some owners micromanage and 2-3x the amount of work for you for no reason.

Owner occuppied loans regualted in every state .. must have state license and NMLS registration.NON owner occ loans on 1 to 4 units are regulated same way in about 15 statesin the other states they are unregulated.Keep in mind though investor loans do not follow the same rules as owner occ and rates can change charges can change closing dates can be blown through etc