This is how I went about it:
I went to a recording school. (The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in AZ) At the end of the program they set me up with an internship. I got lucky on my internship and got to do a lot of editing and actual audio work, I never once cleaned a toilet! I'm definitely in the minority on that one though. The certifications I earned at school made it all worth it. I came out certified in Pro Tools, Logic, Auto-Tune, Waves Plug-ins, SIA Smaart, JBL PA systems, and TC Electronics effects processors. These I put on my business cards and they help me get clients.
I'm not going to lie to you, it has been tough! It's slow starting in this business. I live in Phoenix, so there aren't a lot of big studios to get hired on at. Therefore I've been freelancing, and that is starting to pick up now a year after graduating. I still have to work a day job to pay the bills, but I have it planned out to be able to leave this job in 3 years and be able to do recording full time.
This is a tough business to get into, it takes a lot of hard work. You won't be able to support yourself off recording for quite some time. But if you're willing to put in the hard work it will provide you with a job you're excited to wake up for in the morning. I personally would rather struggle for a few years, and achieve that reward, rather than slave at a job I hate for my whole life; even if it pays well. There are a lot more important things than money.