FMS r/C sim can be found here:
http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/

DONT TRY TO LEARN ON YOUR OWN!!!! It's hard enough to learn with an instructor. Things you might have not thought about....
1. Breaking in an Engine
2. Tuning an engine
3. Servo placement/pushrods
4. Receiver placement

These things sound easy when you read them on the boards, but trying to figure them out on your own is quite a task. I still spend several hours adjusting pushrods, and I've been doing this for 10 years! I agree with the above posters. Even if it's a bit of a drive, try to hit a couple of flying fields just so people can take a look over your plane. The equipment that you are thinking of buying are great, I believe you will be happy, and definatly room to grow.

BTW, I've been SCUBA diving since '92 as well.....my other "way too expensive" hobby