I mean even the smartest people can’t agree on a lot of things.

One bad tenant can ( and have) quickly destroyed a year+ worth of profit.I agree with the vast majority of what you said.

Chalk these losses up to tuition.I agree that we are not likely to see any return of principal.

Agree, STR are saturated but given the numbers, I expect unsuccessful players will leave the market.  

Pay them an agreed upon amount and they break the lease and move out.

I agree !

Even still, investors will often want equity in the projects.I agree with @Caleb Brown that you don't have a lot of equity to stand on for a HELOC solely.

I’m not the most seasoned investor, but I’m not a rookie either.I do agree their communication is solid, and they handle crises well.

Quote from @Ben Russell: Although I agree the leases and the legal implications of "Mid-Term" rentals and "long-term" rentals are closly related, I don't think the leases should be identical. 

I agree with this as well.