Can't help you get started but will encourage you to ignore the folks that are negative. I remember as a kid telling my dad I was going to be in the Olympics. He just laughed and said yeah right. Folks always gave me grief. Well, I never quite made it but got real close. Was on the world cup for a few years and currently judge on the world cup. Sole reason I judge is to work with the younger kids coming up to help encourage them. Don't ever give up on your dream.
I will tell you that any opportunity you get to hang out with tournie anglers will be a huge help. You'll learn a lot just by being around them. You'll also start to develop the same mindset that they have.
Save up your $, don't get frustrated, fish and learn as much as you can but don't ever give up.