It's a great market STRs as long as the numbers still make sense with those regulations in mind. 

It does seem to make some sense to keep living there with the help of a roommate paying the mortgage.

A savy agent sensing a situation like that might simply ask for proof of funds before showing the house which a nosey neighbor is unlikely to have.

Quote from @Marshall Robins: Quote from @Patrick Roberts:Definitely makes sense - I haven't been on any Meta platforms for years but it might be time to dive back in.  

Unfortunately most lack the balance sheet to obtain favorable financing, can't afford to put any skin in the game and fail to make a compelling reason for why the investment makes sense or to justify the structure they are seeking.

Meetups, conferences, social media - connecting with as many people as makes sense and just discussing investing and what you do and if you found X would they be interested in investing with you.

I sense that your real dilemma is the trapped equity. 

For that time frame it would not make sense to turn it into a STR as there won't be enough time to establish a history to attract good vacationers.

It saves you some time, that's all BUT time is pretty valuable stuff.For a newbie, that rule of thumb is even more important to help them make sense of things and allow them to focus more and not be overwhelmed.

does it make sense to just liquidate and get what you can get and put it behind you.