He says he is not desperate for the money now and would like to squeeze out a bit more.  

On the other hand, higher rates increase buyer desperation.

Still trying desperately to grasp it.

It’s possible, but the seller would probably have to be desperate.  

I am not sure why there is this delusion of how an agent so desperately needs any 1 transaction to the point of groveling and begging to do it for virtually free.

I also invest in the stock market just to diversify and have some form of liquid cash in case I desperately need it.

I want desperately to believe what the turnkey providers that I have spoken with are telling me the truth, however I can not find any hard evidence that they are.

I think it's okay to qualify prospective tenants but not find actual tenants until they've seen the specific property and agreed to the rents/terms.In my experience, tenants who are willing to lease a property from you without seeing the property and not even knowing the specifics are either desperate or very naive.Also be careful leasing to friends/acquaintances.

If they ever get desperate for money I don’t doubt someday they’ll simply “re-assess” the property at the current real value creating a 25% windfall for the government. 

When potential tenants call you don't be so overly anxious to show the property because they will sense desperation.