b. Is 30k enough to start your own? ~> $30,000 is more than enough, because presently Im more like a college student paying $400/month for rent. Add $100 for food and $30-$50 for internet and $30,000 can last me for a long time. It can last me until someone buys my startup for a good price.
c. How would I invest in a ramen noodle startup? Where would you find those contacts? ~> Now I've never had $30,000 but the best place so far for me will be AngelList ~> https://angel.co/ and sites similar to it. Doing a HNSearch can also get you in contact with people who have posted their apps/startups here. I'll email them and see if they are interested in me investing in them.