Now if there is truly a value add element to the property, the ultimate value (price) is in the eye of the beholder (buyer).

A home (whether primary or investment) in my eyes is considered as a savings account once you own it - a store of wealth. 

It would be like if someone prepared to sell by painting to create fresh visual interest, but chose fuscia and lime green...those colors would certainly catch the eye but I'd never claim that they overdid the curb appeal by painting with too much visual interest.

I was never even informed of this expense, I just keep a close eye on the ledger which is how I saw the expense.

Your eyes never stop looking.

I'm thinking I could have someone manage the build as my eyes and ears when I'm working.

Would she need to be an owner occupant in the eyes of the lender.

He was traveling and my friend went with me to the showing as a 2nd pair of eyes on it. 

We are newbies, and don't want to miss out on a great investment and tax savings opportunity, but obviously want to do everything correctly in the eyes of Uncle Sam.

There are lenders that "specialize" a bit more into those kind of areas, but from the eyes of a lender, what could happen is that they see 'rural' as a sign that you might struggle finding tenants down the road.