Greg, with careful selection of the components, sticking to the basics, and shopping the sales, you can probably just get by on $300. Today's ARF trainers actually will save you money. They are usually fairly complete and only require a few tools, radio, engine, and some glue. If you go the kit route you'll need more tools, covering, and lots of odds and ends.

Even though you live out in the country, you'll still be better off finding a club, or at least an instructor, to help you learn. It significantly reduces the odds of crashing. Without an instructor, the typical first flight lasts 5-15 seconds.