And there are sponsors that have survived multiple cycles with little to no money lost and sponsors that are brand-new (and everyone in between)So these all come with a wide range of projected returns, actual returns and experiences.

Ultimately, it's about finding the investing strategy that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and area of expertise/skills/knowledge.

If so they would have sold their house for (ultimately) $75,000 more than they did; received 9% interest (probably as much or more than if they invested the proceeds) on the amount they were waiting for, and if by some small chance the borrower/buyer defaulted, had an opportunity (along with the frustration, cost, etc) of reselling the property and obtaining a “windfall” profit.2.

Where can i go or who can i talk to help me better manage STR so we can ultimately get another one . 

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

Happy to answer with my own personal experience though I'm sure everyone has their own opinions and ways of doing things and ultimately whatever works is what works for you1.

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

Ultimately, location and demand will play a big role in how it performs.

We had 3 exit strategies, and ultimately went with the safest and least amount of time invested.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).