How not to do a startup or how to squander $ 160,000

I tell you the story of his failed "startup".
About 2 years ago, at the very beginning of the crisis in the States, I decided to leave the construction I was engaged in at that moment and go online. Why I decided to do this; My brother at that time for about 3 years zashibal decent money online, and that's pulled me.
On the Internet, I was not a novice, I already knew something about seo and so on trifles. The decision was one, you need to do a project. A domain name was found that meant nothing but was easily remembered.
At that time, I did not understand how much money I needed for a startup that I wanted to run. I had about $ 160k green. I expected that this would be enough for 3 months, and then the project will begin to pay for itself. (and if not, attract investment =))
It was written TK, if the ego at all can be called that. An office of 600 square meters in area costing $ 7,500 per month + utilities of about $ 1,000 per month was filmed. It was decided to repair the office, which spent about $ 15,000 + on office furniture and equipment $ 7.000
I hired 4 workers, 1 designer, 2 programmers and 1 mover, for writing content and for other small things.
People cost me $ 10,000 per month. After 2 months, it became clear that we would not do anything ourselves, and it was decided to hire a company that would make the project to order, after which we would promote it.
It turned out that my brother has an acquaintance who used the services of such an office more than once. It seems like a serious office ... Well, that said, it's done. All communication with this office went through this friend. The project was promised to be completed on a turnkey basis in 3 months. After 2 months, it turned out that nothing had been done at all. 30% of the deposit was already paid, which was $ 7,500.
By that time, I began to understand with horror that nothing would work out. The money ran out, the project is not.

What have I learned from this?
You need to be realistic and understand that no project will not pay for itself immediately after creation.
Do not really create anything worth 3-5 months.
If I place a sum of less than 1m, the project should start on my knees, without renting an office and buying equipment.
Save on everything.
You need to be on the topic at 100%.
Never work through anyone, only directly.

Now, after a little more than 2 years, I understand all this. I could get out and find the strength not to leave online. Implemented a small project that brings a stable income and does not require large expenditures.
I am engaged in another startup for which I have been preparing for about a year and now, like, 8 months in development. After 2 months it is planned to enter the closed testing. This is not a project where you plan to reach an audience, and then think about how to make money on them.
At the moment, you can subscribe to invites . A promo website was also made, which I will start to advertise 2 months before the official opening.
')
PS Do not kick for mistakes. I have to write very rarely in Russian, because I have never lived in Russia.

Update : Transferred to Startups, thank you all for your karma.

Update2: For all those who believe that this is a made-up story, for those who want to know what the new project is about, for those who want to find out what I left for, please: please read the comments.