Our goal is to design/build a house that can legitimately be a big SFR or a Padsplit property.

It's designed to ensure someone nearby can manage things responsibly.Your plan to hire a local person for emergencies and other tasks is a great workaround.

Get a good architect first and design what you need don't jump the gun. 

I'll post updates here in case anyone wants to follow along.We syndicated in the states to fundraise enough for architectural renders, entitlement, legal, and to pay off the land. 1/4 of total funds required have been deposited in our bank account.Convinced a world-class architect to do luxury design for us.

And most importantly how do design your landscaping?

Skyline (Designed for institutional investors and asset managers focused on commercial portfolios). 

From what I can tell online, the RF1 zoning district is designed primarily for single family row houses (like townhomes).

I am a former interior designer and did a great deal of work staging homes for sale.

I also renovated houses and own an interior design and renovation business. 

One of the project neighbors slowed the project by 6 months by appealing the staff decision through design review, planning and zoning and city council.