Some owners are good at schmoozing  and good will in a certain light to get things approved faster and others are not.There are liaison types who do cost money but can usually help speed things along.

In addition, I sent what is called a "goodwill letter" to the collections agency with the payment, essentially asking them to remove the derogatory mark. 

Sounds good will do!

needs to be documented by them specifically if you want to consider a payment, and never as admission to anything but only as a component of good will. 

Some business can absorb the cost of charitable donations and or good will.....

I met that goal...and has been a great journey ever since.By the way, your design skills (assuming they are good) will play a key role in your success.   

Nothing good will come of it trust me. if they are month to month lease then start to increase the rents if the market will bear it.

That will build a lot of goodwill. 

Tenant requests improvements from us - generally not done unless a) it was already on a list of work to be done, b) it is a true safety issue, or c) it is so insignificant and virtually cost-free that we don't mind doing it as goodwill.

There is a school a block away and a Walmart, Ross, Harbor Freights, Dunken Donuts and Goodwill in the adjacent areas (all 0.5 miles away).This property was stripped down to the studs and has been completely redone with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, new carpet, tile, heaters, HVAC system, water pipes and electric wire.