The property was a steal, but I was nervous about the damaged units and concerned about permitting process, with new updated codes etc.

Wow, with that kind of hype I have to chime in here.Before you jump in too heavy with bandit signs, you need to research Houston's city codes and enforcement around them.

Seeing that there were past issues, say a health code violation for not cutting the grass is no concern, seeing that it was a crakhouse 5 years ago might be.

You will see the site code, more specifically the meta data.

If you end up building everything to code the old staircase maybe too steep or too narrow...

It would be easy for me to sort as the envelops are address, and almost all of the letters are local and going to the same 5- 10 zip codes.

Hence, I looked up the location and found two different zip codes: 75225 and 75231.Which one is your property located in, and do you have any visuals?

Give them zip codes.

The dress code thing is a good point.Another point is your presentation, it is how you present to your client that would make them remember you.In saying this, you have to gauge your client's personality so you can use the proper approach and nail your presentation.In general people tend to forget facts but will remember how they feel about it.

Alternatively if I just say I'm going to board it up and leave it rather than demoing it I risk racking up code enforcement fines from the city (which here would attach to ALL property I own within the city).