dear Jfish ,

best way to start without spending lots of money : find a club in your neighbourhood . You'll meet interesting people who can help you choose a model , give you flying lessons , take over your transmitter when your plane is diving downwards ...
It's cheaper to pay your membership than being a super-consumer of models !

If no club is near , start flying r/c gliders , ask your dealer for a good beginner's model .

don't give up , R/C flying is the best way to forget all your problems !!

Many greetings from Lier ( Belgium , near Antwerp )