Norb gave some great advice.
In my opinion, the best way to go about it.. is pick a niche that has long-term stability. Can't go wrong with anything related to Health, Wealth or Relationships.
Then, set up all your landing pages, auto-responder series, get some traffic, and test the top 3 products in the niche. If you can get to a point where you're breaking even... you're golden. Then you'll want to create your own product in the niche. You'll already have a traffic funnel in place so you'll immediately start making sales for your product once it's done.
The goal is to be a super affiliate of your own product. Instead of getting 75% commission, now you'll make 100% commission, can partner with other product owners, run sales during holidays, launch updated versions to your customers, etc.
Affiliates are just a bonus. That's the way I look at it. Because if you know how to drive serious traffic.. you can make a fortune just promoting your own offer.
I've had a CB product running for 2 years now... if anyone's interested in promoting it or has CB related questions send me a PM.