What's my direction?

I have read so many real estate books, I listened to so many bp podcasts, I have analyzed deals, I have wasted money on a Rich Dad Poor Dad Legacy education boot camp, open up a business, spent hours trying hunting down probates. But it feels like I'm getting nowhere... There is a feeling of defeat, however. I have a quote on my office wall that I really embrace, "quitters never win, and winners never quit!" So for me quitting is not an option. I'm not lazy, but what direction do I go, where am I wasting time, and where do I need to spend more time? In the book "The 4 hour workweek" I learned of the concept of "being efficient or being effective". Being efficient might mean that you are accomplishing a lot, really doing a lot of work, but it is busy work. It is not the work that is going to get you where you want to go. Being effective is tackling the major tasks that will get you to where you want to go. The 80/20 rule of doing the top 20% most import things. So I feel that I may not know my top 20%. 

On a very positive note however, one of the top concerns of any investor is financing for deals, today I was informed that my pre-approval for a mortgage loan was approved. This was definitely one of the major 20% tasks. Just thinking out loud here, but the top 20% most important tasks for my investment career to take off would be securing financing, coming up with a deal, and taking the steps to get that deal locked in and performing. 

I have 15 years experience in the construction industry and am looking for a new job that is involved in the real estate industry. So areas I'm interested in are working for a property management company, home/property inspection service provider. I'm a hard worker and a very fast learner, I can figure out anything. My persistence is one of my strong traits when coupled with my creativity I can solve/fix/do anything! I'm hoping to link up with a job in the real estate industry that can support my family, lifestyle, and help me further my real estate education.