Mid life crisis career change for Aussie newbie

Ok crew, here is the drill.

I am a nearly 50 yo Aussie married bloke living in Sydney with the idea that I might make a fairly decent truck driver. I am considering either buying a truck around 150 k outright or two trucks around 80-90 k. I have busted my arse to get into a pretty good financial position that would allow me to follow a life long dream of being a professional truck driver. I am not purely in this for the money although coin does help as you all know ! I am doing my HR license finally next week. I have driven all sorts of machines over the years from cranes ( up to 1200 tonne) to the usual forks, diggers and ewps etc. I have also driven rigids and pantechs on site for years . I am pretty sure I valued Drive a large truck well and have driven an 18 speed road ranger previously and it went well and would be no worries after a few hours more in the seat as any beginner worth a pinch of ( insert ) .
Due to prior injuries, I have no real desire to be climbing on and off trailers doing rope and tarp work a few times a day so am considering taughtliners, tippers and container trailers.
I really know very little about the driving aspect of the profession and have worked for transport companies on and off over the years.
I have a few questions that I hope som one will help me get the answers to or at least an honest opinion or two. I know you blokes must get heaps of these posts and I hope to get some understanding about why I am looking in here for some help which would be greatly appreciated.
Is a truck in ghat price range going to do the job without being a money pit?
How hard is it to get work for the truck and myself as a newbie to the industry?
I don’t have a very bad driving record and have copped a few silly fines , one DUI many years ago and a handful of speeding fines in 30 years on the road. How critical is it to have a clean record and how squeaky clean does it need to be?
I have never had an accident in the road and have a pretty good insurance record.
This may open up a can of worms but a mate told me there are only three brands with buying in OZ. Kenworth, Freightliner and Western Star!
I have no desire to be running around in Sydney/ city traffic more than needed and would prefer to have a country or interstate consistent run. Is this pie in the sky or is it possible to land that type of employment or contract?
Do I contract out under an ABN or be employed as a permanent or casual or are me and the truck a package?
I have heard about fuel, service and tyres programmes . Do these even exist in this country?
How can I find a decent , professional driver/ business mentor that can help me through the jungle that is changing career and entering the transport industry as an owner driver and learn the right way the first time?
Do I employ a driver/ mentor to drive my truck and go pass while I learn the ropes and change out the driving or is there a better way that makes some sort of sense?
Am I making any sense at all?

I would be willing to pay the right bloke to get the best education in this field.

I really would appreciate any help you blokes could give me as I would in
My previous industries helping new people to learn the ropes the right way with the right people.
Thanks plenty in advance.
Heals

 

Edit in the #### spelling and grammar.

 

Just a question can you elaborate on the money situation? If I am driving and earning for myself with No truck payments to make, and a maintenance fund in the background? Thanks heaps .

 

Yeah. Finding the work will be the hardest part I agree. That s why I was asking in here for ideas or methods of doing that.its a risk but one I am will Ng to take to get a break in. Thanks mate.

 

Wise words for sure and worth consideration

Thanks