These metrics are getting harder and harder to achieve but they are out there if you dig.  

Taking action is the key and the first one is always hard as you second guess yourself.Do you know what you want to achieve? 

I am not saying do not do it, nobody ever achieved anything by not doing anything, but at the same time if you only have 10-15k that you absolutely cannot afford to lose then you may be better off with a different strategy, maybe use that money as down payment on a duplex or three flat possibly. 

Share your short- AND long-term goals with them so they can help you put together a plan that will help you achieve those short-term goals and reap the proceeds that will fund your long-term goals.  

I totally agree with you that this line of reasoning is very myopic for those who think that they can readily do so and become an overnight sensation in REI.The likelihood of success of this ill-conceived move from a stable W2 paycheck, to immersion in REI with no related education, experience or backup funds, though minutely achievable is tantamount to hitting the lottery.In other words the chance of success is slim to none!

You are more likely to move forward and be successful in the long run by a string of achievable goals that one big hit of a pie in the sky goal. 

I recently read a very interesting book - Start with Why by Simon Sinek, and he makes a very solid argument about how companies achieve business success when they ask the "Why" question. 

This way, youll be learning firsthand (if youre attentive) and best of all (sometimes more important) youll be making connections and new relationships with potential partners, sellers, agents, investors, etc..Hope this helps and best of luck! 

@Mel Wyatt is it possible to achieve goals 1 and 4 together?

Do share how you go about it and what results you achieve.