> I had the same VIP area issue, on reload I watched the guard conversation and then another guard goes to the bathroom where you can jump him for his keycard. There were a few different ways to do it I think.

yeah I ended up playing through it a few times. part of why it was so confusing was that I actually went straight to the manager the first time I went in the back hallway area. he seemed a little surprised to see me, but wasn't too upset. I had to reload because I threatened to fight him if he didn't spill the beans and I lost the fight. the next time through, I ran into someone else who just shot me on sight.

> Once inside nobody saw me as a threat though which was odd. I was wearing an arosaka vest so maybe that’s why?

if that's the actual reason, that would be pretty cool! I'd actually love a more implicit/nuanced system for "where am I allowed to be". the thing that really breaks the immersion is wondering whether I am solving a puzzle or troubleshooting a bug. in general, I only do the latter for pay :)

>I was wearing an arosaka vest so maybe that’s why?

Unfortunately I don't think any such logic is in the game. For whatever reason that game just automatically flags you as non-hostile if you drove the van through the gate. From that point on the guards will just ignore you, no matter what you're wearing (I was wearing some random shirt and no arasaka gear and got the same result).