Since graduation, I've been working in the finance department at a fortune 500 company.

While I do not know anything about container houses, as a logistics professional, I do know Chicago is a major transportation hub with access to lots of containers.It will be interesting to see how the city/suburbs' building departments would react to this. 

I think you need to find a local bank and go to the commercial department.

If he is licensed you should tell him you are going to file a complaint with the building department.

Regarding the cleaning of mold, the last time we had a tenant complaint where the health department got involved, the sanitarian said the last he read it was recommended to simply use a simple soap and water solution.

My advice would be to contact your local city planning department and have them look at your parcel.

@Ron Averill I spoke with the head of the community development department on several occasions to make sure I wasn't wasting my time with this property. 

For example: http://oag.ca.gov/consumers  or the department of real estate.

Department of Treasury with usc exceptionState Tax LienLien by USA or Dept of JusticeUS Department of StateOther Federal AgenciesCode Enforcement for debris removal or mowingDemolition or Environmental Based Liens State child support lienBoard of County Commissioners for special assessmentsUtility LiensWater/Sewer Delinquency (only in selected states)County (and/or School/Township) for unpaid taxes@Steve Babiak has also graciously compiled a list of forum posts related to courthouse auction sales below:  http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/41/topics/6897...

A couple of link:http://www.wichita.gov/government/departments/plan...Looks like building codes are covered by the county:http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/MABCD/