How can someone overcome their looks when trying to meet women? (26 M)

For what seems to be the millionth time, I was openly rejected last night by a women in a bar due to me being unattractive. I've had my best friend tell me that I am too ugly to meet women, and I should stop actively perusing it because I am making myself miserable. I cannot help myself; I really want women to like me.

I'm not just some stinky neckbeard however. I have spent an entire year bettering myself. I have devoted myself to self improvement. I have dropped a substantial amount of fat, gained a good bit of muscle, studied fashion and have tried to apply it, have gotten my hair styled and keep it styled daily, and try to smell nicely and bathe every day. I have studied self improvement book after self improvement book, both in dating and in general improvement. I really do try to act and look as confident as I possibly can, maintaining good posture and eye contact. I make sure I smile whenever appropriate and look friendly.

I'm still rejected time and time again by women. Most are nice and would never admit that I am too ugly, but you can tell they don't want to look me in the face. I have had a few however outright tell me that I am just not attractive to them.

Does anyone have any experience with this or has hopefully overcame their looks? I am tired of being so hindered by my genetics. Any advice at all would be amazingly appreciated!

Note: Yes, I do have a picture or two on here for the couple of people on here that might browse my history. They are the best pictures I have ever taken, and they make me appear almost average looking (intentionally) and in no way show how unsightly my face is to women. Please take them with a grain of salt.