The rental income just sits there in a non-interest bearing account until I invest in something.

There is a very good chance you will never see a dime of it, but at least it will sit on their credit report and prevent them from scamming someone else or getting a loan.I'm not allowed to share who I use in the public forum, but you can contact me privately. 

We’re reconsidering our decision to keep this as a second home and want to make this into a rental so that it does not sit empty most of the year.

Houses in disrepair sit on the market longer in st thomas because there isnt an easy way to finance these properties. 

No probably not they're usually pretty weird, but my calculus is different I don't have a unit sitting empty.

And for that, you will do very well in this world, because your creating success not sitting around waiting for it to fall into your lap. 

I had to sit down to really think about what I wanted after retirement and I want passive income.

Quote from @Paul S.: It's difficult to answer without knowing all the facts.

Where do you get the money to pay for the mortgage for those months it sits empty?

Otherwise, I'd probably just sit tight.