Great thread here.
I think coming to places like this is another step in the right direction. So much truthful advice has already been given I'll try to throw in my two cents:
Don't go out and act for the goal of "making it." Get settled financially where ever you are, and find productions to work in. Enjoy your craft. Act in indie-film, [film]school projects, and with theatrical troops/companies. Put your face out there by doing what you love. Take acting classes (not even so much for the training, but for the networking). Although classes can get very expensive, very fast.
If you put yourself out there doing what you love, you have just as much a chance as "making it" (i.e. getting paid to act on a regular basis) then if you desperately seek fame--plus you feel much better about yourself and your achievements.
That's just one method of thought.
Going to film festivals is a great way to network-even if it's a Horror Filmfest or something. You may find your next project, and in turn could start a ball rolling. Also, going to sites like
www.mandy.com is a great resource for free casting listings. You can go to "Castings" on Mandy, and pick the area you live near...great resource.
Very nice community here guys, I'm grateful to be a part of it.