I agree with others....don't give up yet. 

Seems the best ideas might be to go ahead with all your licensing and then see if you can work for/under another local drone business for at least a season, then consider going your own route....or not. Who knows, your employer might make you a good deal, or even help you to get started. 

I suspect there will evolve a nation-wide chain of drone application businesses operating under one name. I suspect the large co-ops are looking & considering what to do or how to integrate drone application. You need to be ready for them.