I started on this hobby in the winter, so no one available to be my instructor.
I used the FMS sim for a month after trying to fly three times and almost crashing. I can't say the date I soloed, since all flights since the first were by myself, but after the sim, my coordination was so improved that I flew nice, even hadling dead stick very often. Just the landing need to be improved right now.
I strongly recomend you use a simulator and a instructor as well, if available.

FMS is for free at http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html

I just bought an interface from my TX to USB port($50 for JR radio).

Nilo