My takeaway was that they are committed to the home for much longer than just the existing lease plus small investments in the home can build goodwill.

I have a good friend who can assist with face to face issues and inspections or with paying contractors to fix things when needed, but I will be depending on his goodwill.

...Mentioned on the phone last night that he's out the commission if the deal doesn't close & would rather have the goodwill and his reputation in his small town.)  

Just be anything but "The Owner," because no good will come of it.That said, here's what I'd ask:"What do you like most about living here?""

I took trailer loads to the good will, and now have fellow who will clean up the rest for the value of resalable useful items (I have an old tractor, useful appliances, etc. as incentive!)

It builds good will instead of nickel and diming everything.Try to be proactive about recouping costs, but don't  make yourself crazy about it either.  

If the landlord has waited and relied on the goodwill of the tenant (it doesn't seem that there is much goodwill in this case) they may be disappointed when the tenant changes their mind and they must still file the paperwork to start the clock on the eviction after waiting weeks or (gasp) months.In response to the previous post: if the tenant has stayed past the term of the lease the landlord has cause to evict.

But if it's someone with whom you worked with in the past or hope to in the future, then letting them know and building a relationship is a must.There is such a thing as "good will equity" and contractors, typically, have a running log in their head of where people stand.To help soften the blow, I give them a head's up on other work coming down the pipeline and let them know I want them involved, if it's a job they'd like to have.

Goodwill and blue sky are worth little or nothing.

I busted the shifter but lotus covered the replacement and labor under goodwill because it's a known issue.