I'll say hitting the runway is a little harder on the sim than it is in real life just because you don't have any depth perception on the sim and so little peripheral vision. Managing the wind is easier on the sim because it's so consistent (turning up the turbulence makes it more realistic, but even then it's still easier) and there's the factor that every plane on the sim is set up perfectly and is built perfectly straight. After a few lessons though you'll know the difference and will be able to set up the sim to make the plane fly more like yours actually does. Welcome to the hobby and I will second what others have said that you've done it right. You haven't been afraid to spend the money to get the good equipment, so your initial learning should be a pleasant experience.