i was in that situation too, the exact one. where do i wanna dump the money.

for learning a cp a blade isn't a bad idea, especially not the 450, if comes programmed and stuff for beginner and expert.

you can put almost 500 into it and upgrade as you get more money, or pay 1000ish to get a GREAT trex. you can get a used one, it's what i did. go to a local flying club with heli pilots and ask them if they or anyone they know is selling a trex 450. meet up with them, make sure it flies, then buy it. i went to buy mine, it didn't work, so he fixed it. i'm sure if the seller is a nice person they'll make sure it works perfect. and then ya get a used price wich is a lot cheaper. then just get a radio. a lot less than a new one thatll cost 1000 rtf. clones also aren't a bad idea. SIMULATOR.

i flew fixed pitch, went to CP, with no sim, i crashed before the left skid left the ground. then i got a sim, i was flying great in no time.

now that long story short, invest in the TREX, it'll pay itself off.