I initially just put padlocks on the attic access hatches, however I needed to get final building inspections and they required a firewall not only in the attic, but below the house to the foundation (my duplex is pier and beam, elevated 2 feet above grade).

Anyone have an elevator pitch that a STR owner would say to neighbors?

I am pretty sure I will regrade the front yard because I am looking to add a retaining wall to elevate the curb appeal. 

In a recent flood where river water rose to 5" above my garage lowest elevation I used a $75 sump pump from The Home Depot connected to it a 5/8" garden hose and dump it into a storm drain (which actually drains back out to the river).  

This house was recently finished and had its share of challenges but the sloped lot created a great interior elevation that turned out great.http://www.inner10dev.com/#!

Flood varies based on elevation certificates, which you will need since it was built after 1970.

If you are building new, you will be required build the house up in elevation to at lease the area's base flood elevation (BFE) as determined by FEMA. 

You should also never go to a GC with just elevations and a site plan.

even if the buildings were free, wouldn't always make sense. office has a deep floor plate, plumbing, firewalls, elevators, amenities are all huge costs to conversions.

I like to find elevated foundations, brick and hardwood, stone windowsills, built in wood features, a general overkill on construction materials...