Definitely get with their broker and if you don't get satisfaction there, contact the state regulation authority for real estate licensing to file a complaint.

In my sub-markets, it is hard to get the Section 8 authority to move up to market rates.  

If the tenants try an end around by calling him directly, he tells them he cant do it without us authorizing whatever work it is.

I send the tenants a bank authorization form and set up a recurring receipt in QBO that charges them on the first of the month.

Now that co says their ins wont cover a claim for repairs bcuz they didnt authorize it.

The fact you learned the children are the ones selling the property through a neighbor and this was not clear in the sales agreement suggests the proper authority might not have even existed to execute the agreement on behalf of the estate in the first place. 

Please check out the book I co-authored called Lend to Live: Earn Hassle-Free Passive Income in Real Estate with Private Money Lending published by BiggerPockets.com/lendtolive.

If you promise them a "rescue" and you don't get it done before the foreclosure sale they can sue you and the local authorities can investigate you.7.

Was the sewer authority being paid in the past and who was the seller using in the past for the septic service? 

Hi Account Closed is clearly an authority on the San Jose rental market on this site, so I would definitely take note of his posts on the subject.