Getting a good simulator, like RealFlight G2/G3, Reflex, or Aerofly Pro is a good idea whether you find an instructor or not. You will advance much faster, solo sooner, and probably have fewer crashes. I learned to fly my heli on a sim, had about 100 flights with my RC heli, and then flew some planes in the sim. After that, I was able to solo my Avistar trainer on my 3rd or 4th flight/tank. Even with my actual heli experience and my simulated plane experience, I was very glad to have an instructor help me set it up and buddy-box with me. I'm pretty certain that, without an instructor, my first landing would have resulted in a serious rebuild, or buying a new ARF!