Two-step Replication between SQL 2008 and 2017
I need to replicate this data to a 2017 server, which would require a 2017 distributor. 


A SQL 2017 subscriber can use a SQL 2014 Distributor.   See:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/upgrade-replicated-databases

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/repltalk/2016/08/12/suppported-sql-server-versions-in-replication-topology/