The utility company should also have contacted them (or you-both your names should be on the utilities when the house is vacant) to let you know about a potential leak. 

Talk to him and tell him you need to sell the house and his "collection" will deter potential buyers.

Potentially some equity to be accessed?

For example there's a property that I know is in a GREAT area here in Buffalo, huge 2 unit house with potential for a 3rd unit listed at ~150k.

And consider attending local meetups to network with other real estate investors, gain sights from their experiences, and potentially find mentorship opportunities.

They can help you navigate the feasibility and potential challenges of the conversion.

We had the sewer line scoped before closing so we knew there could be potential problems and that $12k would be the worst case scenario if we had to replace it.

If I'm in the situation I would never count on receiving any money, but at least now I know a course of action that could potentially aid me and will effect their reports to aid other landlords if I ever need it.  

I am not sure if there has been a change of mgmt or something else so wanted to get a POV from other potential clients of theirs.

That’s potentially another thirty-five years after retirement.Even if you have enough to last through the end, that amount will likely be much smaller than the amount you started with when you entered retirement, because you’ll be spending your savings during that time.