I would be curious to hear how others succeed in such circumstances as I know there are plenty of STRs around.

And then invite her over for a nice home cooked Dinner with all the trimmings.Even if she says no--just because she is your Mom.And get her a nice little gift--all wrapped up--maybe some perfume--she would like that.Then maybe you can sit and watch a movie together--she would probably like that too.And I know she doesn't come over to your house enough, because if she did--you would not have to ask this on a forum.Just My 2 cents.

Depending on where you live plenty of trails, mountains, nightlife down south.

SFH with separate income sweet (walk up/walk out basement, mother-in-law suite, ADU) being little less profitable but plenty of privacy if you have a family. 

That would make the ARV $900,000 which is so far above market it is not even funny.One advantage for me to own both properties is the potential to build additional units on the combined property, that would be a long term thing but there is plenty of space between the two lots to add another 4 - 6 unit building.Any suggestions on how I should deal with this seller/agent?

Plenty of retail jobs and lots of good paying extra work in spring/fall on the farm or driving truck/tractor.

There are plenty of examples where business raising prices are considered unethical (e.g. pharmaceutical company increasing the price on life saving medicine). 

Its validity has never been investigated.But what you are talking about something I've come to understand pretty well at this point, from a first-hand perspective.Most of the best relationships I have in this field with people are doing financially better than I am came about through two means: what I call "invited accidents," and referrals.

Only time I accept anything less if is it’s multiple renters and the other one or ones can qualify without the one with the poor credit score, someone comes from another country and they give me a printout of there credit score there, or the have no credit cause they’re actually fiscally responsible and have zero credit card debt at an age where most have plenty. 

There are plenty of W2 jobs that can do the trick.As to the bigger question, some say burn the boats(go all in), but the wealthy, the true wealthy always have multiple streams of income.