It really is simple, the hardest part for me is figuring out the wood needed, there is no bill of lading so I lay out the plans on the floor and with a pencil and pad just start looking and writing. Usually do that a couple of times then place my order to National Balsa
Once the wood order is in I remember some of the wood I forgot to order and call them back. Sometimes I get lucky and get back to them before my order was filled. I use a big vise to bend the piano wire. The wire I get at any hobby shop. Cowls and canopies I usually get from Fiberglass Specialties but that depends on the plane.
Going to a club and finding an instructor is a lot better then a Sim. Most clubs or instructors have the trainer and buddy box so the only thing you would need to buy is the fuel. The instructor would tell you what type or brand. That's how I do it. I have an old G-2 Sim I loan to my students for use but I tell them what plane and what I want them to do on the sim.
See, so far you haven't spent any money. No transmitter or anything but a gallon of fuel.
I even help a student pick out there plane after there solo. Before that I also loan them the trainer and a transmitter so they can take there time.
You see, everyone wants to build and fly that warbird or Extra but you have to walk before you can run. Your first build should be something you are able to fly. Probably something you wouldn't think of. I also teach building and use the Sig 4 Star 60 kit to teach with. Good build, good plane and there are several mods that can be made to make it an even better stunt type of plane.
Anyway, this is just food for thought.
One of the guys pulled up one of my builds in kit building of the Prime Cut and I may or may not have shown the cutting of the kit?? I didn't bother looking at it and can't remember what I did or didn't do? You can take a look if you want.