dsteyn,
First, welcome to RCU. Great place, good people, and lots of valuable advice.

If you don't go with the Nexstar, research on other trainers is almost useless. From everything I've read, and my personal experiences with different trainers (as an instructor), pretty much all 40 size trainers fly alike. Of course there are minor variations, but nothing that will be recognizable to the beginner.

Secondly, have you used the AMA "Club Locater" page to find the closest club? Many beginners come here saying that there isn't a club closer than an hour's drive, only to find out theat there are a couple withing 20 minutes.

I also agree that having an instructor, even for the first two flights, will add about 20% to your chances of success. A good sim like Real Flight or Aerofly Pro, will ad another 20%. (Percentages vary by individual, no two are the same, contents may settle during shipment.)

Seriously, consider finding an instructor even if only for a day, and spend 20 or 30 hours on a sim before you go.
Dennis-