Coming in and raising rent (unless you'd be losing money by not raising) will throw a red flag up and cause tension right away.2.) new lease terms? 

Getting information here is only going to end up creating preconceived notions that may be in conflict with what he may want and will cause tension from the get go. 

When I work with landlords around here I often run into tension when I tell people the owners "are not participating in the section 8 program at this time" and then I have people trying to tell me that the owners HAVE TO accept section 8.  

Either that, or the price they will accept puts you at risk of loss if all doesn't go to plan.If you use this approach, I foresee tensions along the way.

Also had a bad dispute on money in the end and caused unnecessary tension to this day. 2.

Also had a bad dispute on money in the end and caused unnecessary tension to this day. 2.

A lot of tension here but you seem very knowledgeable about how STR work already.

However, if you property manager is willing to cause tension in their relationship with you over a $50 late fee it might be time to find a new property manager. 

I feel like the fact there are shared kitchens and bathrooms mean extra tension between tenants.

Any advice on how to better help the tensions?