I don’t know why we feel the need to maintain/restore these ridiculous homes of 20th century robber barons. Just let them tear it down and do something else with the land.

Whoever you go with the right mortar is key. If the Portland cement content is too high in the mix, it can damage the old bricks. A type O high lime mortar mix is good for old houses, see https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2002/05/01/mortar-for-repointing-bricks