Here is the thing, you can't just do one mobile app. You need to do 10, 20 or more. Grind it out at the low stakes tables until you have the capital (aka app install base, know how and cash) to play at the higher stakes tables.
Install base is the key. Grow it to a reasonable size across all you apps (a few hundred thousand and preferably a million or more) the larger your network of apps the easier it will be to promote you new apps and eventually you may get a runaway hit. Also, start out with small (2d) self contained (no client server stuff), polished, engaging FREE apps.
These types of apps are less expensive to produce (15-35k or 80-200 hours.) The apps should be free with some in app purchase stuff and ads if you are interested in bringing in a little lunch/parking/coffee money while honing your skills (if you're self publishing) and building up your network. After you learn some things about the market and start to build up your network of apps you can try doing some paid apps but unless you have an established brand I would recommend free + in app purchase for premium features. Some of your apps will do ok and some will be dogs. Learn from each and move on quickly.
Now if you already have an existing service with established user base (a few million at least) that is another story, go ahead and make an app that compliments your service and you might do ok since you already have a network of users and marketing muscle to promote it. Remember you are going are going to have to make an ongoing investment in your app with money or time to fix bugs and continue to polish it if you want it to do well and gain traction.