It is best to leverage your money to buy more.

Then start to craft a plan around your strengths and those you can leverage that will help you achieve your vision.

Schools and education are great but make sure the people teaching you know what they are talking about.

I just need the proper education.

@Andre Crabb The Forums for one, you can also reach out to those individuals that you feel may be able to help you personally and click on the "Education" tab, lots of great stuff there! 

You also pay annual fees, attend continued education classes, etc.I would caution you however, that you should instead offer a different approach.

I am lucky enough to be backed by 5 private investors who collectively will provide up to $2m to get me started, and have a pretty high appetite for risk (so I can use leverage).

The lender gives you a slightly higher rate, and THEY pay those costs for you.This strategy is a great short-term strategy, because most times it takes about 5-7 years +/- to break even on paying those costs.Which is why for many real estate investors, especially flippers, this is a better strategy, and one that I educate all my clients about.Everyone is so caught up in the lowest rate, when in fact overall cost-effectiveness and knowing the long-term plan are more important than rate. 

Simply put, Cash is King and you want to leverage as much of it as you can.

You want to leverage your $30k as much as possible to purchase a few rentals, if possible.Were you interested in purchasing rentals in & around your area, or are you looking to invest out of state?