"I'm in a very remote place, so options are limited." This is the challenge. If you had other options then you can genuinely use them as a negotiating tactic.

"I'm in a very remote place, so options are limited." This is the challenge. If you had other options then you can genuinely use them as a negotiating tactic. E.g. "I'd love to stay here. The team and culture is great. But I am also curious about company X and they're offering me 20% more..." Can you explore working remotely for someone else, perhaps as a lead engineer?