Hello CADFunkie,

You certainly should be able to learn IV10 on your own with the proper materials. Especially if your budget is tight. We have many excellent resources right here on the site. I'll list a few categories to take a look at.

Inventor Tips (620)
http://www.3dcadtips.com/go.php?topic=1&cat=515
Inventor Tutorials (306)
http://www.3dcadtips.com/go.php?topic=2&cat=1265
Inventor Books (4)
http://www.3dcadtips.com/go.php?topic=3&cat=1531
Inventor Downloads (7)
http://www.3dcadtips.com/go.php?topic=5&cat=2273

Good luck!
3DCADTips Support Desk