My opinion: I would hold off on buying anything until visiting a club; if you go the club route.  Many times someone at a club will let you borrow their trainer to get started and you can work on outfitting yourself at a slower pace after you find what you like and even sell you equipment at a more affordable price.  They may be buying their stuff locally at someplace that you may not have found.  For instance, our hobby store has some used ready to fly planes for sub $300.  That comes with a plane set up, proven engine and flyer and usually with instruction.