There are deals out there but hard to come by; pro tenors for under $3k are hard to come by. Nothing wrong with the Buescher, but you might want to try the big four first; Selmer, Yamaha, Yanagisawa, and Keilwerth. I've played on a couple different horns from each brand and all are fine instruments. Try some out, and keep an eye on eBay and even on this site; you will find steals from time to time.

That is a fine tenor. You are going to have to go way up from those older horns. I like the top end Yamaha and I am not a Selmer fan. While they play nice they are in my mind over rated. Good things cost good money. You might as learn now. There is no such thing as a bargain. You are at a threshold were a little more money and you can start to move it to the big league. I would wait and build up some more cash. Do not forget good used horns after they have been gone through. In the mean time do your research, play a lot of good horns. Do not be tempted by gimmicky horns. Stay with traditional brass or Silver plate. That way it will retain its value better. What about getting a vintage Beuscher Aristocrat if you like it?