I've always joked I'm playing the 'long game' on this one, and where my pockets might lack the cash for an IR, I have cupboards full of persistence & patience that I hope will see me proud with the FI! (plus a half-decent CV demonstrating I'm not a total slacker)
Sounds like the right realistic attitude to take. It'll make it feel all the more rewarding in the end
Choose your FI course and provider with some forethought to potential opportunities. Best of luck.