Let me be the first to say that YES, you can learn on your own.

First and best investment is a quality flight sim program. Something like Real flight G2. When you do fly RF G2 purposly screw up the trims and reset them your self. THis will help you when it comes time for your real plane.

Next, read and ask 100,000 questions here and other places. Get the lowdown on everything.

Get a good quality trainer. I just soloed my Sig LT 40 ARF. I soloed on my first flight today. I have a good background in RC and have been flying RC Choppers for 3 years. I am also self taught in them.

You can do it, just take your time and have LOTS of patients.