I'll try to keep it brief, but basically, I'm attempting to learn poker full-time, in the hopes of being able to earn at least a modest income. I have experience as a successful grinder in MtG, but as an involved hobby more than an income. Live cash games are where I'd like to end up eventually, but I don't have the money to roll 10NL (the only online cash games I have access to given my location is Chico) let alone live 1/2-1/3 as a relative newcomer who's still a (potentially) losing player.

Does it make sense to play micro MTTs where I can afford to play a lot of hands while I attempt to save up for an adequate roll, or is that counterproductive given my interest is in playing cash? Is it possible for me to find a small stake with no experience? I feel like, from spending the past week watching tables, that I can exploit many of the .05/.10 players, but I don't want to bust out from variance or being exploited by a regular when I can only afford a ~$150 roll.

Thanks in advance.

To get you started here on 2+2

The question about Where to Start or What Books To Read as a Beginner or I'm coming back after a few years off. Where Should I Begin is a question asked every month here in the Beginners Question area on the 2+2 site. Many regulars here are jaded enough after seeing SO MANY of these threads over the months/years....that you may not get very many responses to your questions

Here are links to recent threads that will get you started.

May 2018
Advice for Newbie
What Strategy To Use at Live 1/2
Going from Online to Live
Is This A Good Start To My Bankroll?
At What Point Can I Expect To See Improvement?
Difference between Online and Live Poker
Should I play With a HUD at 5NL?
PLO8 Beginner. Any Good Learning Material Available?
What's The Most Formulaic, Autopilotish Form of Poker
Need Advice After Ten Years Off
NLHE or PLO8, Which is Fishier?
Where To Begin?
New Start
Playing vs. Studying: Can You Get Good Without Playing A Lot?

One of the 2+2 forums best places to start for NLHE is with a series of posts written about 7-10 years ago. A few of the strategies are a bit dated but in general, an excellent series for the beginner.
Micro FR Concept of the Week Index. Scroll through the list of threads for a topic or find the earliest posts and read them all.

Good Luck

Thanks King, good post.

If I may add - if you don’t have the bankroll for live games, you’re going to need to figure out how to build it. If that is through MTTs or getting a second job, then that’s what you’re going to have to do. Worst case, gather your bros and have a $.05/$.10 game night with a few beers. Take their money and do it again next week. Prctice on them since they’ll be spewey fish

1 cent 2 cent plo. Practice makes perfect. Make sure to take the time to think about your decisions, both on the felt before you make them, and afterwards in session review.

I wouldn't go so far as to say playing mtts would be counter productive but you will progress more quickly as a cash game player if you concentrate on cash from the start.