Generally I prefer money off to seller repairs because sellers have a vested interest in fixing things as cheaply as possible.

The idea that you can build wealth without putting any money into it is a recipe for disaster and the sales pitch of gurus trying to steal your money.

It can be pricy but well worth the money if you can afford it. 

Then what is the difference and if you put that money elsewhere, how much would you make?

Tourists are willing and able to spend $1500/night or more for the experience.

Your numbers and your realtor's numbers are obviously more hopeful than realistic based on the evidence.You are either buying in too high or spending too much on reno.

It's a great place for skilled negotiators to make money. 

Everywhere I go there's all these experts and gurus selling courses but I just need to find that first deal especially since I don't have much money now and I'm willing to do what needs to be done to find those deals whether it be raw land or actual properties, residential or commercial.

Looking for something that helps factor in all variables, fixed costs, interest paid on hard money loans, reno costs, etc etc. 

Look for hard Money for %80 of each property, then do a cash out refinance and pay the hard Money Lenders.