Troy,

I believe you have been given the full gamut of advice here, so make the decision for yourself. I for one, have taught myself to fly, and now I instruct.
It didn't cost me a fortune, I didn't kill anyone, I DID get a few extra hours of "building experience", but it can be done.
It sounds like you live in a fairly remote area, so finding a LARGE open space should be easy.
You will probably want to start out with a "park flyer" type, or if you want to go with a gas plane try a sailplane w/a Cox Black Widow, or Texaco endurance enginge, or better yet, a Norvel- better, cheaper, and has a throttle. I can buy the .049 w/throttle for 30.00 near where I live,(new in the box) so if you need an inexpensive engine, I may be able to help.
The biggest single thing is this,
IF YOU THINK IT'S FLYING TO FAR AWAY, FROM YOU- CUT THE THROTTLE!!!!
IF YOU THINK IT'S GOING TO CRASH,-CUT THE THROTTLE!!!!!!!!
IF YOU AREN'T SURE WHAT'S GOING ON, CUT THE THROTTLE!!!!!!
And finally, turn your body so you are always facing the direction the plane is flying, you won't be confused by the control inputs when the plane is " flying toward you"......
Walk before you run, or glide before you fly...........
Feel free to e-mail me with 1001 questions[email protected]
I have time, and patients.

Jetts