What about access to a pool vs having a private indoor pool?

It really depends on the condition and if the person smoked indoors and was a heavy smoker.You are going to have to wash all of the surfaces with TSP, chances are you will need to repaint (especially if they've been there for 10 years) and may need to stain block the ceilings before painting. 

I was interested this place:https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/12140-Garden-Grove-Cir-UN...It looks decent, but then I noticed the condo fee of  $469/mo.   

I asked what they paid for it and they said $4,000 - I asked what DD did you do and they said the county tax value was $6,000 so I was getting a deal… I asked him if he was a Gardener as maybe grow some veggies on it but other than that it’s useless and no one will buy it

Your options are to appeal the appraisal, make it agricultural (community garden or farm crops), raise bees or anythng like that to get the taxes down.

in the SF peninsula and down to Cupertino there was a builder who built about 30k homes in the 50s and 60s  called Eickler these were modern heat in the floor tons of glass interior walk ways with gardens in them etc etc.. very unique ..

Or a garden shed, art studio, etc...Just a thought... 

We're able to afford the place as a 2 flat, but still pondering legal options for monetizing the garden unit, if any exist. 

The stories of the best deals come from those who were persistent and consistent in door-knocking and driving for dollars.

Upkeep and maintenance, landscaping, garden and fencing in the backyard.