FoxtrotUniform:So I'm trying to build up a vocabulary fairly quickly, but finding out the shortcuts don't always work.

Also try memrise and anki. Both great apps to help you memorize pure vocab.

Added to the fact that I have no one to practice spoken Esperanto with...

Cheap tutor:
https://www.italki.com/teacher/2995472

You can find people here to chat with over skype for free. Watch Evildea everyday to help with listening skills.

Is there anyway we can help you?

Also, I think it will take you a few semesters to learn Esperanto.

"If you come to class and do the homework, i personally guarantee that... you will be reading, writing and conversing in Esperanto after only 3 Academic Quarters of study."
http://www.esperanto.org/stanford/garantio/

If you study Esperanto intensely then you can learn it in a year.

Also, keep in mind that learning usually happens without you FEELING as if you are learning. Look at your level a couple months ago and compare it to today.

Take a beginner course on Lernu and see how easily you breeze through it.

Imagine someone goes to the gym and they stop working out after a couple months because they don't see results. I see people do this all the time, yet it is barely enough time to get accustomed to the gym.

That is all the motivation inspiration that I can muster. Good luck. If it is too much for you, then just put it on the back burner.

Finally, if you have the time, why not make youtube videos so that you can do some speaking practice.