Hi Nick,
I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents.
The learning curve for Internet marketing can be steep.
The average for marketers who succeed....they usually spend $1500 before making a dime!!!
In my own case it was much less ($500 to get started) and the success came pretty quick in internet marketing terms for me.
Nick it can be done by a regular guy, I'm an example...no more "JOB" for me.
No boss , no commute, work my business from home and have stress free days.
Lot's of time for my family, we have a lot more fun now!
I did have prior computer and internet marketing experience, so had less to learn than some people.
The only other advantage I can see that I have over people still struggling to make money online, is determination and focus.
Many people program hop, try this and that and never commit to one business.
I stick to my main business and anything else must be complimentary to my business or help me get more traffic to my main site.
Not making money never entered my head. Desiring, wanting success, and then thinking thru the steps I'd need to do to attain my goals has brought me this far.
I'm a lot like Nick....I like to think while walking with my dog Bailey, we saunter along the peaceful tree covered path that runs along the riverside, just out behind our property.
Nick,I think you are on the right track, just keep your focus, maybe start your own business or pick a real solid company /product and go for it with all you got.
Jason