The color doesn't work well with the lighter grey tile I have.

Try this... build a much larger column base at the same height as the bottom of the stone, maybe tapered (bigger at the bottom) and made from a similar stone, with a much larger column (easily built onto the existing post) resting on top.Find a NATURAL, neutral-colored, plain stone or slate, and tile the raised concrete stoop.Paint the entry door a deep, very rich color that complements the brick.Then, the gable on the right with round-butt shingles (I think) needs a lighter color, maybe even a bit bright to complement both the brick and the entry door, since it extends over the stoop.Finally, taller greenery under the stone with a lower front level of varying texture and color (especially around the entry) will result in the stone being much less prominent.

I plan on doing some of the lighter work myself, but I'll be hiring a contractor to do the bigger things like window replacement and foundation work.  

I am looking at the Sterling oak (lighter color) and seasoned wood (darker but has multi width planks) and it looks great.

The main color should be in the middle hue range, then one accent should be darker and one lighter.

It’s about 40 lbs and 3 less hernia’s lighter than carting a 10 or 12” up a 3 story walk up.

This deck gets morning sun, but is shaded in the afternoon, otherwise I would have went with a much lighter color.  

You may also deal with onerous third party requirements as the PCNA, appraiser, etc would have to look at each site versus all at once.FNMA and Freddie would have lighter soft costs but I believe they also have the 5 unit requirement.

@Dev PaulI have heard from property managers along Destin/30A that long-term rentals are getting hard to come by, and some of the larger STR homes still standing just west of the major damage are being rented by contractors/workers/adjusters for months at a time without even a request for a lighter rate for their extended booking.

That back pack sure did get lighter.