IMO - patience and using the correct gear for the given application will see you on the right path, and save you money in the long run from pointless crashes caused my questionable gear.
It took me 6 months to get my nitro heli airborne from when I originally brought the kit, still flying a year later without a single 'glitch' or incident as I decided to get good electronic and motor gear, which has paid off in the long run.
Would I wait again on a 'like' project if required - hell yes!