I've seen people get pretty creative with a 2M/7cm antenna. They're small enough that they can be readily disguised. I live in an HOA controlled area and suffer much of the usual restrictions associated with them. Granted, I may not be able to compete with an antenna on a tower but I can hit a good number of repeaters in my area. (SF Bay Area) I'm usually good for 40-50 miles of simplex as well.
I'm not trying to discourage your idea of using remote control. I considered it once too. But I found that given the cost, I wouldn't necessarily gain a whole lot. On HF well, that would be a different matter.
Would you be willing to submit a few pics of the area you're working with? You might glean some useful suggestions.