They can offer a more hands-off approach while you get your feet wet.

Very wrong approach!

I'm interested in a similar approach: live in one unit and rent out the rest.

Over time, repeating this approach can help you build a versatile portfolio.Good luck!

How do you approach saving for your next real estate investment?

I appreciate your ready-fire-aim approach, @Brendan Duggan, but you’re likely creating loans that might only be saleable at a discount.

We not only lost our hard-earned money but on top of everything, our health suffered, I had several sleepless nights due to the stress and anxiety that this horrible experience created for my wife and me.After the buy-back was completed, I approached Maverick to at least help us with our losses by requesting us to give back ~$6000.

My vision includes developing the land into a destination with features like driveways, walking paths, utilities, and unique lodging structures.Here’s my tentative plan1.Place the existing STR in an LLC2.Apply for an SBA small business loan to fund the next steps, including a feasibility study (~$10k+), land clearing, and infrastructure development.While this direction excites me, I’m torn between pursuing this venture and continuing with a more traditional approach—buying one home per year using conventional loans.I’d love to hear your thoughts:•Has anyone transitioned from STRs to glamping or similar ventures?

That approach is very dangerous. 

I completely agree with your approach to private money lending.