One thing to keep in mind about raising funding: It's often harder to raise funding than actually building a product/company, and much less fun.

Generally true, but if a steady income is a requirement due to family obligations, it's often easier to raise funding and pay yourself a salary than it is to build and monetize a site in the short term.

That is so true.

I completely understand. I have a subscription based product as well. I think that may be the product i launch with. Any tips?

Well, there's all the typical stuff you'll find here. Launch early, get a few users who really like your product, iterate rapidly. You have to be a lot better than any free competitor because people will choose a free alternative over a premium one if they're equal.

Beyond that, try to think of creative ways to market the site. Going the subscription route is very hard, but if whatever it is you have up your sleeve is compelling enough you can make a lot that way.