My Spacey!,
Note wrinkly wingtips and bent UC.!
All caused by crashes and heavy landings, - still flying! and best of all, has cost me virtually nothing - so far.

I am not recommending that everyone should learn by themselves, and although I did teach myself without an instructor, I was never alone and I did have quite a lot of experience with various types of engines on other things.
Financially the cost does not have to be very high, so long as actual flying is the objective and not showing off your aircraft building skills with conventional construction.
That can come later when you are a competent flyer, ( I don't profess to be good at flying, but I now can fly thanks to this "cheapie").

Once, I did try to adjust the mixture through the spinning prop which taught me a swift sharp lesson! - but this is quite a common thing, akin to people falling off motorcycles, - part of a steep learning curve.

Some people always stay within the square, some ( like me ) step outside occasionally, and some live outside! - they all seem to hate each other and yet each of them can be an asset to society. That's how life is!

As always, I stand to be corrected by anyone who considers my views to be wrong, - so long as they have a valid reason for thinking so.

Photos make wingspan look more than it actually is, although aspect ratio of wings and tail is higher than original, making it quite "floaty".