I've also stayed in short term rentals (airbnb's, hostels, dorms) without any issues which had some great hosts, and roommates were all polite, courteous, and mindful of the common areas.

I am trying to protect my investment and also be polite and courteous to these tenants, which is why I would like to give them options.

They were both courteous and respectful and let me know that the tenant on the lease is at work right now, I left my phone number for him to give me a call asap.My plan is to have all 3 tenants fill out a new rental application so that I can do background checks, if everything checks out, I plan on Jan 1 having them sign a lease at a higher rent.

I was as courteous as I could be, and she explained to me that she and her family own several properties in and around Austin, they have sentimental value, and she has absolutely no interest in selling.

All of the tenants were courteous and good people.

People calling back were courteous even though my offers to them were much lower than they expected. 

Just be friendly and courteous when calling and everything should be squared away.

Personally, I prefer to work with people who are professional enough that, once we have discussed what is to be done, how and when, they are autonomous enough to do it without my having to follow up constantly, and courteous enough that, if there is a delay, they let me know that they cannot meet the original deadline and provide another delivery date.

She even got a bit nasty at one point but the whole time my message stayed courteous.

Local meetups are key, and being kind, courteous and genuinely excited about real estate will get you far in this career.