I would urge you to choose your words carefully on the matter of how "light" BULLYING is nothing more than jovial OR playful banter. 

I think a lot of carriers are playing catch-up right now.

She's stalling, you need to play hard ball.

Pretty much played out as I expected it to and I would do it again.

If our mindset is on a certain option, (personal, business, etc.) it's sure to eventually play out. 

You can study them as well as play around with numbers to help determine what an appropriate buy box for you would be. 

I've played around with upping price and significantly reducing the cleaning fee and removing the grill fees but it didn't really change much.

I guess my main dilemma is taking out more money against the house that I’m currently in a good situation with to put that equity to work VS. not tapping that equity and moving forward with a conventional loan on another property in a “safer play”.

I think what most borrowers fail to recognize is that real estate is a long play.  

This is mere speculation but based on the information you made available I am guessing some of these contracts were not obtained at great numbers which is likely playing into why your deals aren't moving.