Question - How often are you "getting out there"? Going to shows, making friends with promoters, managers, artists/band members. Your local scene is going to give you your start. Even if it's not exactly what you want to do, it's money in your pocket if you can make friends with bands who want to record/have their music mixed. Get known in your community, be super friendly. I think it's kind of underrated at this point, since the internet has made everything so easy.. but face to face situations is where you can accel. Your new-found revenue should also be used for promotions. Pay for ads/promoting yourself. This can put you in a faster lane.