This will have an impact on you as an investor, since you must do everything precisely by the book, dot your i's, and cross your t's - if you screw up, you risk far more severe penalties than an unlicensed person who makes the same goof.

Dig it out and redo some basic landscaping with the help of inexpensive, unlicensed, unskilled guys you find off Craigslist (or perhaps standing around in a group outside your local home improvement supercenter that responds enthusiastically with ¡Vámonos! 

There are many unlicensed brokers promoting "wholesaling" using contracts to circumvent the laws.

Does anyone know if it is a violation of TX law for me to have someone who is NOT a licensed real estate sales agent make cold calls on my behalf (with the sole intention of the unlicensed person making cold calls to find homeowners potentially interested in selling their home and setting appointments for me to make a listing presentation pitch to the homeowners) as well?

Appraisers (from my knowledge) can't factor things like such as unlicensed/unpermitted (not sure what the "right" term is) additions, even if they are theoretically up to code.

This scenario sounds like unlicensed real estate brokering to me, too.  

The general M/O by most unlicensed brokers is to broker using contracts which is ILLEGAL.There are only two ways to legally "wholesale"1. take ownership then advertise and resell2. be licensedThere are plenty of FRAUDS AND SCAMMERS that try to operate otherwise.

BEFORE you deal with any unlicensed broker consider these ideas:1.

All contracts, options, or other devices not based upon a substantial consideration, or that are otherwise employed to permit an unlicensed person to sell, lease, or let real estate, the beneficial title to which has not, in good faith, passed to such party for a substantial consideration, are hereby declared void and ineffective in all cases, suits, or proceedings had or taken under this chapter; however, this section shall not apply to irrevocable gifts, to unconditional contracts to purchase, or to options based upon a substantial consideration actually paid and not subject to any agreements to return or right of return reserved.

This is what you get when you deal with unlicensed Brokers playing games trying to skirt laws and be a real estate broker without a license insurance or anything else that protects the public