I'm not desperate, I do have a job.

Just because they saved up and scheduled that vacation for a year, how dare they say they can't afford to pay you the amount you demand!

I desperately want to stop wasting my life worrying about how I'll make money in the future.

Those warmer climate areas due to continued demand have a higher chance of cap rate compressing for equity resale growth in a few years.The areas with low caps already even with quality there isn't much farther the caps can compress.

I nor any of my colleagues will touch Worcester due to the crazy high rate and their outrageous remodeling demands.

Real estate values are based on supply and demand.

Do they have a compelling reason to look for better, not just desperate to find a new place on their timeline?

Further during a period where supply outstrips demand being the unit that gets further down VRBO's funnel of filters and having more amenities will get you the bookings the others do not. 

I would just say no, counter with the terms you want (maybe even demand they sign a contract you draw up) and see where they go with it.

And the demand has trickled down and pushed our city's prices up as well.