You're already in a really big pond there in Texas; carve yourself a niche and get disciplined on learning. 

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

It’s honestly just a matter of discipline for me.

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.