I think this can be an important motivating factor. Are there any popular open source projects written in Python (or built on Django)?
For example, back in 2005 I setup a personal Wordpress install on a Dreamhost server (also coming from a finance background, with some prior HTML experience). Wordpress did most, but not everything I wanted it to do. As a result, I've become quite familiar with the LAMP stack over the years, turned that knowledge into a business and made a buck or two. A similar project in the Python world would be a great introduction, but at a cursory glance, Django seems a little too low level. If I'm wrong about Django, please correct me and I'll jump right in.
P.S. On a side note, it's definitely wise to seek out a mentor... after making enough money to hire a programmer for the business, my knowledge level really took-off. Up until then, getting things coded up could often be a very long and tedious process. Good luck!
I'd be willing to answer any questions about Django on your quest for Django mastery. I'm no Django pro, but I'll help where I can. Feel free to email me: vince@[HN_username].com
It's unfortunately sort of half-finished. The author clearly lost interest halfway through. The accompanying github repo was never finished, but luckily at least some readers forked it and finished it.
It's a very decent book for the most part, but I hesitate to recommend it.
If you don't, finish the django book http://www.djangobook.com/en/2.0/ and start fiddling with Practical Django Projects http://www.apress.com/9781590599969. It's a decent book and gives you a feel of some real applications.
There always is stackoverflow and mailing lists if you get stuck.
You can also hop in #django on irc.freenode.net. Sometimes people on IRC can be a bit hostile but if you do your homework before asking questions, they are generally answered.
You also need to know if you are taking up on a real world project, you would need to learn other technologies - Javascript for client side interaction, html/css for UI. Django/Python are just one piece of the puzzle.