[fkexpat]

Personally, if I were you, I'd work to save up as much as you can so that you have more to invest than $2,500. You said 20 hours a week. That's perfect for a part time bartender job. You can earn some nice tips depending on the place and expand your social network / skills. In the meantime, read up on investing / entrepreneurship on the side to accentuate your knowledge. You don't want to dive into investing without a sufficient understanding of investment tools. Try reading the 4 Hour Work Week for passive income ideas as well, though much of that involves internet businesses.