been busy so missed this till now

yes there is a viable market for items made in blender if you have the abilities to make them usable in other softwares

as for paying for tutorials

if you intend to sell products the cost of those tutorials as well some supplies can be used as a tax deduction in areas(check with your preparer if in US)

i use blender 2.49b still to create designs for clients that want custom parts made for equipment, cars, and motorcycles so that they know what it will look like when done

i personally am a highpoly modeller which tends to crash most poser and studio systems but i dont sell or give that stuff away

i like the photo real look

ok it wont let me add a pic?