Take the emotion out of it.  

After having a long period of stability with one girl for 9 years, I'm an emotional mess, dating is getting harder as I get older, the women are not as good looking and all seem to have baggage/issues.

Remove emotion from the negotiation. 

I keep my emotions out of it as much as possible, but I have a family so the decision is not only mine to make. 

If you have any emotions I’d offer C4K even if it’s a smaller amount.

Be ready for this, and manage your emotions accordingly. 

This is why it's priceless to have a good property manager who insulates you from getting emotionally involved along with your partner/husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/etc. 

My income should increase to help with that too.But it's LA so cash flowing out the gate seems challenging especially when looking for a neighborhood you feel comfortable putting your 80+ year old mom in and that is reasonably close to me in Hollywood.I had a really positive emotional response to this property. 

Getting deals is a financial decision not emotional, so although the rates have gone up, you may not make as much as your original rentals but the deals are still there. 

This is life and emotions and ethics aside, it is business.