With violin you are supposed to start early and blah blah but I only started a year ago and I'm 15. For a violinist that is ancient. But I'm a lot better than a friend of mine who has been taking classical lessons for 4 years. I've only just begun with guitar (acoustic - though I wish it was electric).
Yes, the truth is those who start early and take it seriously for many years DO have an advantage, but just because you start late doesn't mean you can't be good. You just have to really immerse yourself in all that is music - and take it seriously - and you'll do just fine. It seems like the passion for the instrument is already there, you just have to get familiar with it and learn the ropes around it. Hang out here a lot, get to know some players (which it seems you've already done) and listen to music as much as you can. You have to keep fueling your interest otherwise you stop growing as a musician.
Most of all have fun with it.