It's good that you're working on F2L. Here are some things that I'd try to keep in mind:
-While they may be better for speedcubing, Dayan cubes do not need very accurate turning. If you switch from a Rubik's brand to a Dayan, your turning accuracy will be abysmal, and it will make you suffer in the long run. If you feel like you want a better cube, though, try and mod your Rubik's brand cube. If you don't trust yourself with modding, go with an Alpha V. They have good turning, but aren't world class. They're the intermediate cube of choice.
-At your point, don't worry too much about looking ahead. You should be focusing on being able to perform your F2L algorithms with relative efficiency. You don't need to look up every optimal algorithm, but it may be good to do for some of the longer cases. Try and have your F2L movecount(including the cross) to be around 50-60 moves. From there, you can optimize all cases, although keep in mind that some may have awkward finger tricks. Balance efficiency with comfortable moves.
-It's best to learn the 9 2-Look OLL algorithms before learning more than the basic seven PLLs. After you know those sixteen algorithms, then you can focus on learning full PLL. Try and learn cases in pairs; don't learn J(a) without learning J(b) at the same time.
-You want to start supplying yourself with things you'll need in the future. If you want to go into cubing and try and become world record quality, you'll want a Dremel for modding your cubes, gelatinous lubricant, such as Lubix or Lubicle, as well as Maru or Z-Lube, which perform well, but last for very short intervals. Along with those, it would be best to have boxes for your cubes, a spare Dayan screws/springs sets, cube bags, a Speedstacks timer, as well as a few things that I've probably forgotten. You don't have to get all these at once, but keep in mind that you should definitely look into acquiring these.
-Be active in the community. Don't be afraid to ask questions or go to competitions. Unless you and a friend want to see who can become sub-x faster, you're only racing yourself. Engage cubers, and make friends.
-Try and find a certain event(apart from 3x3) that you enjoy. Personally, I like bigger cubes, as well as OH(One-hand) solving. Some of my friends like Pyraminx, Magic/Master Magic, and 2x2. Try and have a cube for most(if not all) WCA official events, and maybe some unofficial ones as well(more popular ones are the Siamese 3x3s, the 3x3x2, and the Skewb). Learn to solve all the cubes you buy, because it's quite depressing when you have an unsolved puzzle in your box or on your shelf.
-FINGER TRICKS. You can be sub-30 without finger tricks, but almost no one who is sub-20 doesn't use finger tricks. Make sure all your LL(last layer) algorithms are sub-5 right now, with the easier ones being sub-3. As you get faster, make sure you go back and make sure you LL algorithms are getting faster with your F2L.
-Finally, practice. You may not be able to invest as much time now, but every second you get faster is a second for another solve. Dedicate at least 20-30 minutes a day simply solving with no distractions. If you want to continue, go right ahead, but make sure you don't go a day without practicing. Also, don't count out bad times. Every solve reflects your strengths and weaknesses as a cuber, and if you do something incorrect with a solve, use it as a motivator to not make the same mistake again.
That's my little rant. Remember, you have time to improve, so don't push yourself too hard yet. Have fun while you practice, and relax. Don't get too tense about cubing; it's only a hobby.
