'05 Salem Hot Water Leak

Drawers are removable, you'll have to look at the glides to find the releases. They're usually a black plastic spring loaded thing that's visible with the drawer extended. Often times you have to push down on one side while lifting the other and pulling the drawer outward.

I got drawers out. There's also a shelf above the drawers and under the fauct/sink area. There's no room to crawl in. Hope I don't have to take stove/oven out, it's next to sink counter area where the water heater is under.

Ranges usually sit in a solid, boxed in area so unless there's a panel that unscrews, it's doubtful thats how you access it but you never know!
Ranges are pretty easy to get out. A few screws under the top and a couple below the door are all that hold them in. Just need to lift the top and disconnect the propane.
Still, I would not think that's how you get to the WH.

You have to be able to some how get to it. If you have to change it out you'll need to disconnect water and gas lines from it for removal. Keep looking,
Brian