i would say since u are not a complete beginner you........STILL HAVE TO MAKE THAT 35 mile trip. at least 2-3 times till you know how exactly to fly and land that thing(ur plane) well.

you can get a sim. but they are expensive(at least they are here) and they cost about the price of a new ARF and oh yeah did i mention that they are not real thing??!!
so the bottom line is go fly with some ppl who have more experince with flying and you will a lot more about flying and as well about the planes/radio etc.

good luck and cheers.