Dan, in the case of a single, common sidewalk. do you leave it up to the tenants to work out who does the shoveling (or hires someone to do it).

The dues could be broken down into the following major categories:repairs & maintenance (R&M)structural maintenance (roofs that are shared, sometimes balconies)repairs for any amenities grounds & roadslandscapingrepairing sidewalks and roadsutilitiesclubhouse utilitieslandscaping irrigationparking lot or site lightstrash if there's a compactor or dumpsterinsuranceproperty damagegeneral liabilitymanagement expensesreserves for capital repairs (major repairs like roof replacements, seal coating roads)New construction usually carries a 1 year warranty so any major defects will be repaired free of charge, sometimes it includes maintenance of equipment and sometimes it doesn't.  

Where I've used it was on 50' of sidewalk that sunk on one side of it's 4' width all the way along the 50' length.

There is a shopping center with dining options across the street, but no cross walk attached to the sidewalk along the entire complex.

However, there is increasing investment in providing amenities for residents -- new sidewalks, new parks, an arts initiative downtown, and a downtown hotel being built to serve the convention center.

That year of building is probably running galvanized pipe from the water meter at the street sidewalk to the building.Those usually rust internally and start leaking underground.To replace that line with copper can be very expensive especially if the line runs under the parking lot.You would need to cut up the road,take out the line,put the new copper line in,and then fix the road.This can cost tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand depending on length of the run to fix.I would be concerned with a building of that age with hidden problems discovered once the current tenants leave doing TI.Could have asbestos,roof problems,sewer problems with the cast iron system,lead paint,etc.With retail buildings usually have a life cycle of 30 years so they are usually torn down and regenerated instead of a 50's vintage still standing.Regardless if it is a great location and not a dying part of the old town where the growth has moved then eventually a developer would be interested in partnering with you and building new or buying from you outright.You have to really look at these types of deals from all angles and work with someone looking out for your success.Not someone wanting to just "sell you something".I view instead of selling people on things to get one off commissions to instead help them make long term sound purchases.If one is successful then it stands to reason a relationship will be formed and they will buy more off of that success.If a broker/agent sticks someone in a bad deal then later business from them and referrals will be non-existent.Some of these brokers only representing corporations as sellers do not care about the buyers or if they buy right.This might could be a good deal for you.Just think of the multiple exits as much as you do about the purchase.

The pool, the club house, the boat ramp, the weight room, tennis courts, sidewalks, landscaping and other amenities are owned in common and or retained by the developer/project owner and they can sell that at any time, they can also lose it if the fail to pay liens as required.

Do you have to put in curb, gutter and sidewalk?

As long as he is legally parked (not sticking out in the sidewalk ect) and there are no HOA/municipal restrictions he is entitled to park his property there.

They mentioned they've noticed that water is coming out of the sidewalk area out front by the water meter.