Hmmm lessee.
How did I raise the cash?
Full time job. Lab technician at university. (Biology). No degree.
Around this job I studied and flew part time. Other jobs I have held (part time) to help pay for the mortgage and fly include;
Bar attendant, bouncer, school cleaner.
It made for some very long days but I had a goal.
Shifted to the other side of the country to try for a full time flying job. While I was waiting for that opportunity, I washed aeroplanes and cleaned the hangar.
After shifting to the UK I did ops part time to get a foot in the door and put some food on the table.
It worked.
So, no IT here I'm afraid.