RE: Good Starter
Simulator for sure....
First time you fly on a sim, you'll know what me mean.
If it had been RL, I would have probably chopped my head off with the main rotors.
I've bought and sold and bought and sold helicopters, but haven't flown yet, can't decide exactly what I want, but judging by my experience of buying and selling, don't expect to be able to fly anything nitro without dropping 800-900 dollars. That will probably get you the full setup with a mediocre or less radio, and the goods that you need for maintenance, starting, fuel, etc.
Good Luck