Hi Z1K0B4,
I agree 150% with flyboy and wisdom-seeker.
you should get a simulator. it is great for learning the hand-eye coordination without tearing up a real heli. Even after you have learned to fly, it is great for days when you can't fly, or want to try new maneuvers out, keep the fingers nimble, or just plain have fun.
As for your first heli, you will get different opinions, but they all have merit. The Raptor line is good. I have flown a Raptor 50 and it was very nice.
Me, for Xmas I received a Century Hawk Sport ($159- new). repair costs are very good (price wise), it flies very well and there are scale fuselages from Century for it (my interest).
Either way, you cannot go wrong.
Radio wise, I have always been a JR man. still have my old Century VII radio and it works great. I received a JR622 with my Sport, and while it is the bottom of the line, it does what I need very well. I will move up to a better JR radio in the future as I get more involved in flying.
go to the local flying field and see what everyone is flying, and do some research. asking on this forum is another great way to research, so you are off to a good start.
Good luck.