I like the Phoenix Simulator the best. You can get it with a DX5e, that is a real transmitter (it's basic, but all a beginner needs for a bit): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...MYDDKYZ57NZY9W

So in this way you're getting an awesome simulator and a transmitter that can be used with the sim and used to fly a plane.

Where as RealFlight has a controller, but it can't double as a transmitter, so you'll still be spending $$$ to get one. I had RealFlight and didn't really like it, I thought the interface was too convoluted, especially next to Phoenix Simulator, which I find to be much more intuitive. RF has the advantage of a zillion user models, which is nice, but Phoenix also has free updates for life, RF you have to pay each time.

A simulator is great, and can be really helpful, especially when working with an instructor. I find them best to learn stick maneuvers and orientations during various maneuvers. i.e. get a feel for the plane flying at you, away from you, doing rolls, 3D moves, etc. You can slow down time, so that you can really hone in your stick movements and gradually get it back to real time, which is really helpful for complicated maneuvers that you just can't do that with a real plane.

However great they are though, nothing though compares to the real thing.