Unfortunately I have to give the credit for my name to my mother and the epidural's lingering effects 

After all that, it's a non-issue now because after a week of communication and me checking all their references, etc, they have just announced that maybe the place is too expensive for them, so now I'm back to hunting again. :/ Anyone have creative ideas on how to rent in a non-peak season for a high rent?

The direct writers (state Farm, All sate, etc) will most likely not have the ability to do this.You should be communicating with an independent broker who is in the commercial side of the business. 

I remember a couple of years back people were posting links in "dofollow" blog comments - is that still an effective strategy?

How you leverage the purchase will effect your expected returns and for some time.If you can't or don't need to flip for a MAI appraisal, ask appraisers for a letter of opinion of the market, they may be very close and at a fraction of the cost. 

Is this the most effect lead generation for flips or wholesale?

That said, while it is certainly true the conditioning served FB in terms of selling their product, it was also a necessary and effective method to make sure every person took the most out of the weekend as possible.

Document your communications.

The other agent doesn't call, email or attempt communication.

The mother was complacent and was not effectively addressing the issue with her children.