...you don't want a real business. If you want a real business, pick a niche/topic/product based around your interests, skills and strengths and create a business plan around that and unsubscribe from all of the IM lists at least until you need something to move you forward in implementing your plan. The one exception would be if you need to make fast cash but even then you should be simultaneously working on a business plan.
It always sounds silly when SEO gurus promise you to put you on the 1st page of Google, but can't put their own site on the 1st page of anything or when IMers share their "profitable" courses while making next to nothing themselves. Stay away from both.
Hi: I agree with part of your ideas. I think you can stay on the lists of IM gurus and learn how they sell, promote, and target their customers. You need the willpower to not buy what they are offering. Educate yourself, create a strategy that works for you and take consistent action. Good luck, Dan