There is an easier way to get renown with a single edit. It can be done at any time
after the 1st patrol.
Only edit files when you are safely docked in port; never while you're at sea.
Go to /My Documents/SH3/Data/cfg/Careers/Player name/Patrols_0.cfg
Scroll to the bottom of the file
Change the 3rd line from the bottom:
DeltaRenown=145.062500 <= change this value to whatever you want. I'm fond of 100,000, which means I can buy anything I want whenever it becomes available.
NbSaves=0
ChangedRank=No
Save the file and play on. I do this after my 1st career patrol, mostly so I can get the crew I want.