The inspector was unable to test for gas leaks.Exterior4)One or more trip hazards were found in sidewalk and/or patio sections due to cracks, settlement and/or heaving.

Sidewalks will not be being pushed up by over grown roots and air conditioners will still have plenty of life left in them to get several decades down the road. 

People there take pride in their lawns, love walking their dogs on well kept sidewalks, ext.

Many, if not most basements will have dirt floors too.Another "quaint" feature is that homes from the 1600s and 1700s were commonly built right next to sidewalks. 

At my family's building, we also have cameras recording the sidewalk around the building (corner property) and archive the video for 3 years. 3 years is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York.

At this point I think you’ll need to consult title and possibly the title company and determine if you have legal access to this sidewalk.

Looks to me that the sidewalk  needs to come out and the regraded to the rear . 

Probably about 1000 sq ft in total, which includes the grass by the sidewalk.

Furniture stored and used outdoors should be outdoor furniture, not indoor upholstered items.Steps (front and rear) and sidewalks: should be clean, and free of hazards.

This window is perhaps 15' from the sidewalk.