1) Get Visual Studio Express - as mentioned above, it's free of charge
2) Read and practice, read and practice, read and practice
3) Consider applying for a job at Microsoft in Ireland. It's not that far from the UK, and there are plenty of job opportunities. I worked there until 2003 - I don't miss Ireland as such, but I kinda miss the job...
http://members.microsoft.com/careers/international/default.asp?lang=EN&loc=IRE has job listings.
