A question for teachers and students of brazilian jiu jitsu?

Much respect for your motivation and drive. Unfortunatly there is no real way to know if you are gettimng better without quality instruction. I would recomend contacting some instructor in your area and telling them your situation, I know a lot of teachers are often willing to work out payment options and scaled back cless etc. if they know the student is truly willing to work hard. Also working with a friend can very dangerous man, these techniques aren't jokes, or games, be carefull at all times and really work at finding a way to get some safe quality instruction.