Trying to figure out code compliance but don't want to start asking the inspectors for advice.

I do not believe you would be in compliance with Texas law if you withheld my security deposit after I payed August rent.

We've never had a tenant go to an attorney to draft a letter to us about quality of life and dissatisfaction about living in one of our properties.The best protection is to make sure you are always in compliance with landlord-tenant law and non-discrimination laws for your jurisdiction, follow the terms of the rental agreement, maintain habitable abodes, and do what you can to make sure there are no unaddressed hazards or safety issues.When unforeseen problems occur, such as the HVAC system breaking down, plumbing problems, pest invasion, etc... the minute you become aware of the problem, then do what you need to do to fix the problem in a timely manner.

We had one put in a small blow up & I found out when the bldg inspector jumped all over it threatening compliance fines.

I am going to assume that the biggest needed is ADA type compliance.

Verify your zoning compliance or non-compliance.

What effect would a semi-annual schedule have on eviction proceedings if the tenant was not in compliance with the lease terms? 

If your lease has a "break" or "early termination" clause and it's in compliance with the laws for your jurisdiction, then follow it.

If you require something a tenant is to perfrom in order to pay you and can also see them deducting the cost of such compliance, an argument could be made that you pay if you won't accept cash.

For that reason alone every landlord should reject this tenant explaining that in compliance with FHA the same information must be collected from every applicant.