damaged sidewalks tore up yard!

Unfortunately, there is an easement (storm drain runs under the other lot) and the area is a designated so that all properties must be close to the sidewalk which is where the drain runs under so cannot build a property behind even though there's plenty of land. 

A plumber suggested the problem was under the sidewalk.

Other than you may need to occasionally pay to have snow removed from the sidewalk there shouldn't be anything extra in the way of costs.

Westchase in Tampa has a nice row of shops and the neighborhoods themselves have nicely paved sidewalks.

For sidewalks or staircase of this type, better off by demoing it, remove unstable soils, replace with good aggregate base course, then form, place rebar, and place concrete.  

Colored or white gravel can look nice as a border to driveways and sidewalks.

One with a propane torch ( big one, like you use to burn weeds off a sidewalk) and one with the scraper.  

I always put an yellow and black or black and white, "I will buy this house today if the owner will call me at 000-000-0000" yard sign by the sidewalk, and it has gotten me a call back about 46% of the time.

Simple for rent signs with a bunch of small american flags by the sidewalk got it done.