I don't have the many years of experence like many of the people here. I just went through the same thing last year, so I'm fairly new to this sport myself. So I ended up buying a Thunder Tiger 60 off of Ebay for $327.00 thats with shipping. That included the plane, engine and 4 channel radio w/ servos installed. I've been very happy with this arf. So happy I bought a second one for my son.
They are right about using a flight simulator. I have a Real Flight Deluxe edition and it helped tremendously. The G2 is the top of the line but for the money (another well spent $76.00 on Ebay) the Deluxe edition is great to start out with. You can always upgrade later. Just go out and get something that isn't going to hit you too hard in the wallet. And go have some fun. That's what it's all about, isn't it? HAVE FUN DOING IT!
GOOD LUCK