No. You can build your own machine, use Google Computer Engine (https://cloud.google.com/gpu/), or even just stick with CPU while you get your feet wet.
I started the course with CPU only, and then switched to a GCE instance (which I run sparingly) when I got tired of waiting for my models to train.
If you've got a decent NVidia GPU, you should be alright.
I understand that Theano can support other (non-NVidia) GPUs using OpenCL, but I haven't tried this. Part 2 of the course requires TensorFlow (which doesn't support OpenCL, AFAIK), so you're better off sticking with NVidia unfortunately.
When you have a private conversation with someone, you get a lot more of the shading and subtlety of their experiences.
In a public forum, people are most likely to share things that are safe. In private, people are more likely to share their opinions, impressions, and half formed ideas; all of which can change, but all of which give you the necessary context to form your own opinions.
If you shared everything publicly, I'm pretty sure you'd come off as some sort of a crank, flake, misanthrope or worse... Especially given the unforgiving nature of Internet memory.
I'm in a similar boat. I'm 31, married, with no kids so far. I quit my job to pursue a startup. It's good timing for me.
To be a successful founder, I don't think that it makes a lot of difference how old you are, but it does make a significant different where you are in life. I think this manifests itself most if you're trying to find a co-founder.
Most founders in their early 20s have very little in the way of assets or obligations to speak of. This makes finding a compatible co-founder in the same age group much easier. Everyone starts out in a similar situation.
On the other hand, founders in their 30s have had a lot more time to complicate their situation (for better or worse): kids, marriage, mortgage, and money. Finding a co-founder is more difficult, since accommodating both potential founders can be more difficult. There's more to accommodate.
In my social circles, there tend to be more complicated situations than simple ones.