I recommend the Apprentice 15e from Horizon Hobby. Its about your price range and you can buy replacement parts. It balances and flys decent right out of the box. I've trained many students on that one. But it would be a good idea to find a club to at least learn from their instructor, then after you solo, fly at your site. Practice on a sim is good. I've had students with lots of hours (20 to 40) on the sim solo in 5 to 10 flights. They only needed help with landing.
Edwin