Starter issue

On this 17.5 briggs, the starter gear seems to be hanging up in the fly wheel, a lot. If it doesn't start, (because of the compression release problem I think I'm having), when I have to turn it over by hand, I can feel the starter still engaged when I turn the key off.

Waek starter? Weak Spring? Not adjusted right (not a lot of adjustment on it). I've had this problem before on different engines. But never really addressed it.

not sure of the year of your engine, but does this have a plastic starter drive gear? teeth may be marred causing the gear to hang up

Things to check before starting to replace parts. Weak battery, bad electrical connections, valve clearance. Each of these will cause your problem.