I am a real estate agent, I work closely with wholesalers, and do syndications here in the Rio Grande Valley.

The real estate agent actually told us that he was terminally ill - which we (my wife and me) later found out was not true.

Does this type of service exist? 

We consider looking for or offering products, properties, services, referrals, recommendations, or loans to be advertising according to our forum rules. 

Had been in the same family since built in 1918 so was absolutely full of stuff!

You'll have an advantage as when you're buying a single family home, you could look for ways to maximize your value by purchasing a house that has a finished basement.More often than not, my clients that have been in your shoes have ended up living in the basement while renting out the rest of house as a full home.Not saying this is what will work for you, but just my $0.02 on what to look for... give me a shout via DM or text me at the number in my signature.

I will hire out a lawn service for mowing  ,but how do I go about  paying the water bill, not able to figure this out .

You would need a proper assignment agreement, full disclosures and the title company to arrange assignment and settlement and the collection of you're giant profits. 

As a local investor and agent here in Columbus, let me know if you have any questions or want to connect!

Years ago, I bought into the Motley Fool stock advisory service only to get worse returns than I had been doing on my own (not that mine were great.)