Any recommendations or advice is much appreciated.Disclaimer: I do not own any properties yet but do own a small landscaping company which is what I am asking this question for.

I'm thinking about getting large landscape stones to create a barrier. 

I've worked as a licensed athletic trainer, a maintenance technician for a local school/church, a package handler at FedEx Express, and I own and operate a small landscaping company. 

While I only have about 25K to start my investing career, I thought of an interesting way to potentially acquire the rental property...My friend owns and operates a relatively large landscaping company in our neighborhood. 

I would double check that there aren't any common utilities you will be payingMissing landscaping?

Landscaping can definitely increase ARV, but may make more of a difference when it comes to first impressions of a buyer/renter. 

You can deduct labor costs as long as they are reasonable to what a landscaper will charge for the same work.  

I have a landscape background so we wouldnt have an issue adjusting the grade to the house and tiering the back yard, adding drain tile etc if we decide to move forward.

My town Ventnor City will be putting money in street landscape, businesses, etc. in the area close to AC.

If you are STILL struggling after getting rid of the car payment, the Starbucks habit and the landscaper SELL.Otherwise, get with an agent and have them answer the question of whether you can or cannot feasibily Rent this out at a profit or very least break even.