So much solid advice from those who are actually creating success for themselves. It can only be received if you're willing to hear it. Seems to me you're asking something you already know the answer to.
Even the gurus who now mooch off others worked extremely hard to get where they're at as @Jon Holdman mentions even those who do find success in their programs are very few in numbers and compiled together. Next time you watch one of those get rich quick infomercials look for the small print at the bottom of the screen that says something along the lines of, "Results not typical".
REI is a numbers game. Persistence is synonymous for success with regards to REI (and many other life goals, for that matter).
If you can't instantly make cash, what's the next best thing you can do? SAVE!
In other words, live within your means.
Do things like sell the car, take the bus or ride a bike, sell the home and/or move to a facility with lower rent, cut the cable/internet (use the public library) and this even includes letting others carry their own burden for a season. The question you need to ask yourself if you're morally struggling with this is, "How can you help others if you don't have the means to help yourself?" Focus on your development so you can help others with a firm foundation.
Do this in the hopes you can live within your means, save what you can, and if this doesn't drive you to success, I'm afraid nothing will.
Wish you the best.
