Is there anything I can do now aside from online education and saving money to set me up for my return home to Tucson AZ next May?

Good luck on this journey and please keep us posted on your progress!

You're on the right place Troy and all the best in your investing journey. 

I do not have any direct experience but I have heard that in my current and extensive learning about investing education. 

A little research and some humility will go a long way here to help you through your journey into real estate investing.

You could pay for some very costly mistakes or you can invest in your education and possibly shortcut the learning curve by learning from others.But of course, try to get more educated in books and forums with RE investing then wholesaling in general before jumping into any programs.

I got out of the military (9 yrs AD USCG) last spring to pursue my education.

Finally, last year, I made my first dollar in real estate....and now I'm ready to start my journey with a vengeance!  

There is still a lot that can be done while you're preparing: Educate and network

Melodrama aside, I have about $30k (potentially more), and am hoping to learn all that I can about rental properties and fix/flips, in order to make sure that my first deal is both an educational experience and a financial sucess.