The problem is when you only have a hammer everything seems to look like a “nail.”

Sorry I realize there are too many "ifs" to really nail this one down, but I think your RE investment approach is the most valuable reference point. 

Assuming this 4plex is always rented and you never have any extended vacancies ...If this is your investment, DO NOT GO INTO DEBT FOR LANDSCAPINGIf this is your forever home and your investment, DO NOT GO INTO DEBT FOR LANDSCAPINGIf this is first and foremost your forever home and only in small measure your investment, if your tenants are more like your friends than your tenants, and you really really really want a nice lawn, PAY FOR LANDSCAPING BUT DO NOT GO INTO DEBT FOR LANDSCAPING.Put simply, going into debt for landscaping is like taking out a HELOC to get your nails done.

The guys up on the roof banging nails , these guys are called "employees" or "subcontractors" .

@Allison Hayek : Frank Nailed it. 

He worked off the books for years but then got nailed for years of unpaid child support, so no hope of any tax return credits or Soc Sec payments credited. 3 years go by & his GF tossed him out & we received full payment plus interest minus the collection fee.

I just got a new siding nail gun and want to put it to good use!

All nail holes caulked, sanded, all paint strokes touched up, everything finished professionally. 

You definitely hit the nail on the head though.

@Natasha Hunter hit the nail on the head.