Range isn't a problem. Any hobby grade RC system is good for upwards of a mile, which is way farther than anyone flies. But you are right, $400 doesn't get you much if it also has to include radio gear and the charger. You could get lucky in the classifieds though. Sometimes complete FPV setups will pop up used for a fair price. You'd still need radio gear and a charger, but those can also be found.