OP, if you get Phoenix in your area, you could save some money. They are good, the Phoenix models, just there isint too much choice in that make. The trainer will come for $80 or less though.

With regards to other equipments, if you are member of a flying club, you wont require to buy them. You can easily borrow a wrench, hex wrenches etc and the electric starter for staring your engines from your neighbours on the field. You will need a TX, RX, Servos, some extension & y-cables, engine, ARF and a booster and ofcourse fuel. In fact, you can carry all the stuff you need (other than the airplane) in a backpack. Thats what I did for the first 2 years and still do today when transportation is not available

Ameyam