I think I would recommend getting the Alpha and a simulator. You can practice on the simulator for a while while you do one of the following.
1. Do your best to track down local club or other GOOD help.
2. If #1 is impossible make a plan to fly the simulator until an upcoming weekend, I'm thinking of Memorial Day, and plan a field trip to the closest club(or best within range) and go there for a concentrated 3-day weekend of training. Using the AMA site or other sources, contact some clubs and explain your situation. See if they can help you on this basis. Hopefully they can get you soloed. the simulator will help greatly on this as well as your previous experience.

You will want to have your bird ready to fly and all supplies in hand when you arrive early Sat or even Fri evening.

Of course, you could pick any 2-day weekend if the holiday is reserved for the family.

Plan ahead and you can do this.