Hi, Todd - I'm certainly with the "Backup Plan" of having some part-time income; there's nothing wrong at all in hedging your bets and keeping a cash flow coming in.
Meantime, to attract the first time buyers, inexpensively and effectively, you're going to have to be really creative ....
- Where do the first time buyers hang out?
- Where do the first time buyers with savings hang out?
- What kinds of properties do the first time buyers look for?
- What's the benefit of them using your service?
Is there one type of first-time buyer who is an easy target for you? eg someone with a shared hobby/interest? For instance, someone with an interest in web graphics - who might also be a prospect for a house?
... Best wishes - I hope that it all works out ok for you. However, don't be too proud to take a job to support you through the learning curve(s) - and don't be afraid of standing out from the crowd when you do get your real estate career under way. Find a way of being memorable.
Margaret