Does anyone here live by poker alone?

I really hope that there are some folks here that may want to answer my questions that actually make a living (or a sizeable extra income) from online poker.

My question(s)

1.) How long did it take from the first time you played online till you really started making money?

2.) Did you really employ excellent bankroll management or did you take some big risks for big rewards early?

3.) This is semi-personal....but, I'd like to know how big of a bankroll does your standard online pro have? I know this obviously varies but...i suppose i am talking about the folks multi tabling .50/1 1/2 maybe up to 2/4??

4.) Did you have a lot of setbacks? Did you plan on this becoming an income or did you just fall into it?


I'd like to find out the real specifics of how people got into this field...anything extra anyone wants to add would be greatly appreciated.

As serious player on edge of 100k per year I will add some personal imput. Starting 2005 or maybe '04, I played play money for a solid year mostly 7 card stud. I then deposit $40 and that day won back to back tournaments. I have never found the need to deposit since. Last year I withdrew 15K and had a wonderful trip to South Africa. My answer to number one would be 1 year. It takes 5-8 years to master anything but in poker with alot of reading and play, it can be accomplished in 2 years. Number 2 would be you must have excellent bankroll management. Number 3 would be I believe online pro's are above this level. The amount needed for any given level should be commonsense and you should never attempt above that point. Patience is key one in Poker.
Number 4 would be no but seriously delayed cause of being forced to withdraw for household purposes kept my bankroll down. Fell into it but immediately made plans for fortune. I am currently opening a poker club/school 24/7 flophouse.
I spend alot of time on researching what to play. I belong to multible forums which greatly boost my bankroll and for free. I am retired giving me the time needed to play. I do alot of paperwork and notes are manatory. Don't accept what you think and insist on proof. Keep notes on other players on sites, and keep book with entries of all your play to know exactly how you're doing. Every 5k hands I record my stats for bodog to work on them and have seen them improve. It takes alot of work and extras to exceed at anything and poker is no different.