The missing pictures are of the back yard, screened patio area with laundry, detached garage. 

Maybe this is because I didn't do a deal as im sure if I had you would have been there with support.Regarding HomeUnion, I don't think its fair to categorize that 1% fee as something that is extra or out of the ordinary. 

I once had a really nice patio home that looked dated and no matter what I did it still looked a bit tatty.

Normally, passive losses cannot be used to offset ordinary income.

Wifey and I tweaked it a bit from male and female perspective, added a 3rd bath, enlarged 3 car garage, larger covered patio and have built 4 more so far.

That's taxed at your ordinary rate, though capped at 25%.  

Many different variables but id start with the gutters, next id check is whats the grade of the yard, is there any surface pitched towards the house, is there a patio, you'd be surprised how many contractors don't know how to use a level when installing a patio

Capital gains, more or less the appreciation above the cost basis / purchase price, is taxed at generally a lower rate than ordinary taxes.  

See who's meter is picking it up.We trim our 8 plex with white holiday lights every year and two of the strings must be plugged in the patio plugs of tenants the other two are plugged into the laundry room plug (that we pay for).

I have PeerStreet and Lending Club, but the returns are no higher than 8% and usually, 4-7% and of course taxed as ordinary income.