If I was starting fresh I’d see if someone would cut you a deal on a silver swiftblade (
https://wiki.project1999.com/Silver_Swiftblade ). Frankly for the money that thing is ace to level 30. Can prob get a cheapish Velium 2hs (like Crafted Velium Claidhmore 30/36) for around $1-1.5k.
A nice 2h will keep you functional until low/mid 50’s. At that point when your DW skill starts working dual-wield or ideally epics will be the final path.