When I started out, I read this forum like crazy. I did the blog/content site type of thing, but I wanted to get into affiliate marketing.
I signed up for azoogle, and started running some of the easier to convert campaigns, free downloads, email submits, stuff like that.
I was lucky enough to turn my first $200-$300 into well over $1800 my first month. I'm not saying you'll have the same luck, but sometimes you have to take a chance.
Learn here, test small, and you just might make some magic happen.
Don't pay for any fucking ebooks either. If you have questions, ask here.
Another thing, my campaigns have since dried up. Right now I'm building/flipping websites on digital point to earn a living until I get the income back, so it's not always easy.
Sure beats working some dead end job for $10 an hour though.
Good luck.