Run different best case and worst case scenarios and make the decision based on math and not emotions.

It part of personal emotional control and understanding your limits.If you start on the path and hit road block, dont quite.

This was not going to be a logical buy but an emotional one.

For some reason so many of the posters arguing for cash flow in SoCal post nothing but emotions or defensive arguments but never actually offer numbers or any other foundation to what they are claiming.

You will never remove investors from the buyer pool, but homeowner's are always the ones that you want, and are the ones that will be emotional and bid up your property.

However, there is a huge personal benefit to paid off properties from a mental/emotional standpoint.

Tenants are very good at manipulating emotions, begging, threatening, offering to do better, etc.

.: Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals fall under Federal Fair Housing.

My advice, not knowing the numbers, let it go on the short sale, support your mom by helping her move and supporting her emotionally. 

Generally speaking,....An SFR usually has an intangible emotional component to it.