Is the idea that for a "home" I need to have visions of the white picket fence, the dog in the yard, the kids in the pool, and then throw all logic & common sense to the wind?

I use cedar 6ftx6inch wide fence pickets that we sand down & finish with an oil base stain @ $2.25each.

She’s not sold onto the idea, she has the shiny object syndrome and wants the nice single family house with a picket fence.

The stone would be a lot of work to remove, but a cheaper alternative would be to put fence pickets sprayed with a dark stain and cut to size over the wood.

If it is a cedar picket, you get to have all the pretty side facing your property. 

Existing fence is white picket at the front, and 4’ privacy at the bsck which is also painted white but the paint is peeling. 

I don't see the point of buying a home today that's worth the same 50 years from now to only pocket Maybe $500 a minth and sometimes picket 0.  

For instance, a yard may not bring you more income over the long run, but many house hackers also want a white picket fence. 

It looks like you gave them your money faster then you are moving foward against this terrible company that defrauded you.You must be more proactive if you want any chance of seeing your money.How about showing up at their seminars with a big sign on you saying "Do not give this company any money as they defrauded me of $45,000,,  Do that everywhere they are having a free "seminar" or a paid one.Get people from BiggerPockets and your friends to help you run a  picket line in front of their seminars

It's a full 4 months, with picket signs, a community meeting I have to organize with the neighbors, etc., but we're doing it.