I have trouble understanding why anyone would recommend a 4 channel analog radio for beginners. The exponential and endpoint adjustments alone make a computer radio a worthwhile investment. The Aurora 9 is a good value and the basic recievers aren't expensive. Two lower cost radios that will still meet your needs perfectly as a beginner are the Spektrum DX6i and the Airtronics RDS8000. I have the latter and am impressed with what you get for $150. The only issue with brand will be whether the club has a buddy box for it. If they don't have one for the radio you're interested in, it's not much of an investment to have your own box and cord to use with your radio.

As for training, it's probably not too late in the year to start learning. Lots of clubs have trainer planes to get beginners started, and a few lessons with the real thing will show you what to work on in the simulator. I did it the opposite way and had some bad habits to work out. I've trained a few pilots too and much prefer to teach someone who hasn't been playing on the sim before starting.