If it had radiator heat, that does make sense, but that too should have been recognizable to anyone that ever has been in an old building. 

The problems I've had with customer supplied material is that they either tend to buy the cheapest of the cheap stuff or they have an issue with defective material and expect me to warranty something that they bought. ex: I had a customer who had bought a water heater themselves and the electric heating element went bad 6 months later.

However if the heating bills are high, it might save in the long term to get new siding to help with that.

The size and quality of the house would be an example of tangible property elements of value.

- Will they finance a home where the heat is not functioning at the time of appraisal?

Alternately ask for proof of switch over, particularly if it is heat. 

It is very different to not have a dishwasher versus heat or hot water. 

If he did not outright state that they would ensure the rules were obeyed by the various jurisdictions, I thought he, at a minimum, implied it.I would press HCD for guidance. 

Primarily, when will this end, and when will things start back up again.Which seems to call for decision-making in the face uncertainty (because there seems to be a gamble element to it), like happens in war on the battlefield sometimes.Except your not really at war with the tenant.

. - Also are there book recommendations specifically geared to this for modern design elements and ways to save on cash?