Looking for something cheap to learn...
You don' t want a 4 channel controller, it takes at least 5 at bare minimum to fly a chopper. you can get a good deal on the JR 652 or 662. easy to program has all the helli features. everything you will need for minimum cost.
FMS simulator is a free download, and a cable can be bought to use with a real radio for about 40$ i hear.