This standard seems high, since the PM may have some negligence (i.e. failure to maintain walkways, etc.) that doesn't rise to the level of gross negligence. 

That just doesn't work and some just walk way.

A little hard to tell from the photo, but if the hill is less than 10' away from the house, I'd probably invest in moving that dirt so you have a clear 10' minimum level walkway around the house.Slabs and Pergo laminate are not my favorite combo, unless there is some sort of proper barrier between them. 

Account Closed, thanks for your input, very valuable. as for the neighbor it was sorted out over a walkway chat

Power wash the walkway.

We were thinking about demolishing it, but it's too close to the house and the walkway to the back isn't big enough to maneuver a big truck through.

Make sure the walk ways are nice and clear, no gross snow hanging out in piles at the street, etc.

Thus, I'd like to use a professional.)Last fall, I sought bids for snow removal (shoveling/blowing walkways - no plowing) and to those that bothered to respond, I got ridiculous prices back ($150-$225 per trip; it takes an hour total to shovel all the properties, including travel time between).This spring, I am seeking lawn maintenance bids and I am experiencing the same thing; outrageous (in my opinion) prices for the work involved.  

The house needs some exterior work, namely a paint job, a new landing/walkway, have some pipes removed and hidden plus landscaping and tree removal.

That just doesn't work and some just walk way.