Mr. Rick,
Going enlisted is one way to ultimately earn a commission. I did so 20 years ago, fresh out of high school, no money for college. I earned my degrees, applied for AOCS, went to flight school, etc.
If you do not have the means or desire to go to college right now, then enlisting is an option. The path to your wings will be longer and harder, but achieveable. Seaman-to-admiral is one of the ways to do it. Another is study via correspondence (almost 100% tuition-free via the Navy), or go to classes at night if you are on shore duty, or take classes on board a ship, etc. If you have a degree, you will apply through BUPERS for a seat at OCS. Going enlisted first will get you to 20 years quicker (retirement), open your eyes to a different side of the Navy (priors, I think, make better officers), and increase your pay by a huge amount when you eventually get commissioned (I earned $1000/month more than my fellow LTs). The decision is yours based upon your unique set of needs and your situation. You make the call. Being an only son is irrelevant.
OPO