Dear MisterF,
I do this for years now and I invested in "My Internet Project" (as I call it) more than $50. From my experiences I can tell you this:
1. Following different business models and courses and ebooks can be time-consuming and overwhelming
I see affiliates going blindfolded there, following the steps in the course to the tee and still failing. If the mentor says "go with social media", they do that, if the mentor says "click here" they do that, like sheep. They also paste their links everywhere, instead of their knowledge.
2. Create your own model and focus on that
My strategy is email marketing. I consider it the best tool for an affiliate. But every affiliate has his/her own preferences. Maybe you like CPA or MLM, or blogging.
I did all of that. Nothing worked (for me). Until email marketing. A squeeze page, an autoresponder and offers to promote. I have it and my only job is to learn how to promote it.
Not building sites around it and consume time writing content. So, ask yourself what model you like, put it on the paper and do only that.
Research information about it and share your experience with others while you learn as much as you can.
3. Have patience
What you need to do may become repetitive and stressful one day, not seeing results will disappoint you. But always remember to stay in the game and the results will come.
About your $50? I bought The CB Passive Income with that money. But that's me. For you? Find something you like, share with us what you found and wait for some feedback if you are still uncertain.
Found what you like and you are sure about it? Then go with it.
Cheers,
Vlad