I sat around doing fuck all for ages because I was scared and built a scarcity mentality around money for myself and was afraid to spend money from my pocket as I couldn't see the potential in it. The thing is, as soon as you start taking some action you realise that you absolutely HAVE to buy data to start and that you learn so, so much just by getting started and doing SOMETHING. Remember - 99% of the people on the Internet are likely making 1% of the money. As soon as you start making campaigns and stop reading you go from being in spectator mode (watching everyone else get rich), to PLAYER MODE which is where the learning and magic happens.
Here's some random generic advice:
1. Set up and learn Prosper and track everything to keyword level. EVERYTHING. Don't even start until you have set it up so that you know which keywords convert and which don't. It's free. Hosting is cheap. There is no excuse. This was a game changer for me.
2. Start with campaigns with a lower payout as they'll allow you to get a rounded idea of the testing/optimisation process without having to spend a fortune. Games, dating or email/zip submits can be good.
3. Set your campaign up and DON'T TOUCH IT for the first 24 hours. Just let data flood in and make some changes based on that. Don't micro-manage everything to fuck and pause a keyword after one click because you get scared. Just set an acceptable overall daily budget for the campaign.
4. Find out what offers are hot on the networks and push them. Some offers plain suck. EWA are good for sending out emails for this so if you're not a member already sign up to them. Their affiliate managers will also help you get rolling. Mine is Jared he's awesome.
5. Pick a traffic source and stick with it. There's a tendancy to try and learn everything and want to experiment but that just adds another variable to your noob career. Pick somewhere (Facebook, MSN, Media Traffic, Plenty Of Fish etc) and stick with it until you learn how to get something profitable there. My first big 'lightbulb' moments were on Trafficvance.
Good luck in your mission sir!