...Eric, you sound like a bright young man who is driven to succeed and I wish you all the best in your vision.
My opinion - keep your Pinball interest a hobby (too much of a good thing has its limitations) and focus on an occupational niche or marketable specialty. If you have no financial backing, and a desire to move out of your present situation and environment (with sacrifices, of course) consider this:
Prepare and study hard to take the ASVAB test. Score high, talk to a military recruiter, and select a specialized (and guaranteed) job which interests you and requires many, many months of intense schooling. Join the military. Surround yourself with peers who have similar goals and interests. Network yourself. Obtain specialized licensing, certifications, and attend any college class offered. Fulfill your service obligation (honorably, of course). With your acquired specialized skills and education, aggressively seek employment opportunities with a City, State or Federal municipality, as they generally prefer ex-military applicants. Through persistent motivation, drive and effort, work yourself up the ladder of specialized skills, duties and responsibilities. Work 25-30 years. Retire early, receive a handsome pension for life, and play Pinball when and wherever you choose.