For the gap, have it right next to the stove and leave it large enough to be functional (8 inches or so). 

The irony is (in my experience) that small landlords provide some of the best (clean, safe & functional) market rate or slightly below in the vast majority of cities. 

The typical functions that need accounted for are: acquisitions, capital (both equity and debt) and execution (asset management/property management).  

I've proven to my satisfaction that a new homeowner simply can't buy a functional starter house for under $100K in the Pittsburgh area without battling well-funded investors tooth and nail for it.

You’re simply raising capital from which you can access and control the banking function in your life.

If it had a function it was broken to include no AC on the bottom floor.

I go to the county's auditor site and typically they'll have a search function for property types.

Another thought is does it actually matter as far as functionality (shedding water) of the siding or is it only the appearance you have concerns about?

You get the idea, when increasing the functionality, durability, life or ability to use the property we are adding economic values, this is where profits should be made. 

If there was a platform in which you could issue blockchain tokens (Ethereum, Cardano, Matic, etc), with basic functionality for distributing revenue to investors (cashflow split, time based payouts, and sale profit based on a personal stake in a project) programmed into it. would you use it as a means to raise capital for a real estate purchase?