You will probably get by with a needle valve in the carb but we obviously can't tell about the plane. The sim is a good idea but the instructor is the best bet. He can even advise you on repairing your plane. Hope the building was just a barn or something. Don't kill the mud bugs, MinnFlyer will never forgive you, better ship some to him for safe keeping. I'm self taught also and it was expensive too, not recommended. Not going to list the things I hit or almost hit with my planes, my dumber days let's say.
Keep at it and good luck.

Bruce