ablu272 - 4:27 pm on Nov 5, 2012 (gmt 0)

I don't think having two sites with the same template are an issue that you should worry about or all those template site sellers would be shooting the little guys in the foot.

I'm not sure I understand what's going on with the same image, because I don't know what function this image is playing, but from what I gather you have two sites with the same keyword target and link strategy competing with each other for search visibility. Bad idea. Pick on and go full force into creating one awesome niche site.