Hi Ryan,
Great start to your website! If you have the money go for an
SEO expert but if this project is a learning project then do it yourself. The best way to learn is through mistakes.
In regards to your link question, the links do have to relevant to your sites. It is not worth buying a whole lot of links that do not relate.
Have tried to organise any exclusive promotions?
Have you looked at developing a press release for your site?