My mower starts once in awhile but when it doesn't the battery light comes on and nothing cranks... I get nothing. If I put a battery charger on it, then I get NOTHING at all, not even a battery light, and then it takes about 20 minutes to get the battery light back after removing the charger... what the heck is going on?

Hi,
Your LX176 has a Kawasaki FC420V engine that utilizes a solenoid attached directly to it. They are prone to bad connections with age. What happens if wou try repeatedly turning the switch on and to start? There is a low voltage kit that may temporarily solve your woes. It is an AM107421. The solenoid is close to $100 by itself and the whole starter will exceed $300.
Also make sure your battery connections are clean as your first chore.
Peace,
Clarke