I have a Cal 30 and Rappy 60 and find that the Caliber 30 Reflex model is about as realistic as you can get. It's not about getting it as close to to your actual model, more about training your thumbs
You never really stop learing. I'm 10 years into helis and still find it hard some days
Just keep getting the practice in, both simulated and real. Don't try anything too extreme: pleanty of hovering at different attitudes and heights, then slow circuits and F8s etc.
For orientation you need to get your canopy sprayed flourecent colours with the tail feathers a different colour. A lot of people find concentrating on the rotor helps, But I'm more interested in what the fuselage is up to!
For inspiration look at the colours the professional heli pilots use for orientation.
Ian F.