I am sure that I am not the first to have this idea so I am just wondering if people have been successful with this in the past or if it is not recommended.

Much success.

And you'll find out there are many different ways to achieve the success, not just RE.   

You can call me child like and laugh at what I say, but you and I are doing the same thing, which is maximizing profiting for our own financial success.

Since you're already plugged into the podcast, I'm sure you've heard over and over that there are many successful paths in real estate investing.

This is a business and you are responsible for the success - not them.

IMHO, the REI Industry is The best chance that an individual has to quickly and successfully become self-employed. 

We have had success with the debt-reduction aspect of Dave Ramsey; we personally have gotten "gazelle intense" in paying off debt, and saving up everything...bonuses, tax returns, birthday presents, bought older cars, etc. in a quest for down payment funds. 

If I do that, then I will not be able to be successful in my life."

My issue is that there have been way too few successful, experienced local RE investors at both San Diego BP socials that I went to.