Fresh orange flowers in kitchen, in bathrooms maybe lime green towels or white towels and a bowl of lime green soap and candles?

As long as you chose some “middle of the road” hardness, that’s probably all you can do - you just have to accept that someone might find it too soft or too hard occasionally.  

Sometimes they don't respond at all, but sometimes I'll get feedback such as "well, your mattress was too soft for my tastes" or "the neighbors two doors down were loud" Normally its nothing that can be helped but I always like to apologize and thank them for feedback....maybe in the future those people will realize the items they are complaining about are out of the hosts control and leave the 5 stars anyways.

Balance the academic learning aspects with the personal development (soft skills) side.

This is soft ball man!

The business person in me doesn't want to be soft landlord and let tenants start walking all over me.

You are negotiating by stepping on the soft spots, looking at the leaks under the sinks, stains on the ceilings, smelling the cat pee, dog poo, etc.

I am going to use soft or hard money for it.

. / Lot 8,900 / Garage 3 car/ Built 1972 / selling for $999,000Since this is my first call I would really appreciate some guidance on what to do next.Should I make him a soft offer over the phone contingent on how much repairs the house needs?

@Henry J. thanks Henry, I'll be sure to bring    the info you mentioned and be sure to get a check list, to well prepared.