I would strongly recommend joining a club. As others have said you will gain from the collective experience of others. From different types of airplanes, engines, field gear, building methods, and types of flying there is no way you can experience all of that by flying alone. I know that fields here in the Northeast are hard to come by but if you willing do drive a bit you will find some very nice flying sites. And we have some of the best modelers and pilots in the country right here. You just have to get out and experience it.