Find a Mentor tony....this is over your head and it sounds like you missed a few steps.For starters....Inspect each propertyProve the cash flow.Get values on each property with any repairs needed.THEN pony up 170k non-refundable if the deal looks solid.    

The saying "fake it till you make it" has played in my head whenever starting a new endeavor.

Thanks so much for your input as my head has been swimming with these thoughts for MONTHS.

Especially since we are heading into the fall and (theoretically) there will be fewer buyers in the market.

Ever since I was young, I always had ideas floating around in my head, from being an astronaut, to doctor, to archaeologist etc...

Perhaps even what barrier the OP has already experienced so we can address that head on if possible.  

Heading to Eleuthera next.

It's only measuring the rent to purchase price ratio and doesn't say anything about where the city is headed.

We rented the unit out for $700 or $750 a month (i can't remember the exact rent off of the top of my head right now).

Then more specifically, we decided that the Seattle, WA, area looked to be a rapidly growing market we wanted to get into so we moved on it.