putting images just off the root directory

That will work if you remember to use the the full url for the image – eg http?/example.com/directoryforimages/image.jpg

There shouldn’t be a problem with doing that as long as the folder is inside the folder where your WordPress files are. I’ve used this plugin: https://www.ads-software.com/extend/plugins/media-file-manager/ to create directories like what you are saying within my uploads folder. There are other plugins that can create subfolders.

I use a similar directory on many sites the way I have it above without “http…. .com/”. I have no troubles but I was wondering if Google bots don’t mind. thanks.

The search bots couldn’t care less where your images are stored.