In my opinion, the $99 electric is NOT the way to go. However bumping your initial estimate 3 plus times probably wasn't what you were hoping for either.

You might want to look at the 'For Sale' items here or perhaps the club might have a used trainer and radio for sale. You'll probably find a suitable set up for a price tag that's somewhere in the middle and if you find that you love the hobby (you probably will) then you can plan your next purchase with a bit of experience and hopefully some good advice from an instructor or other club members.

If I could add one more thing; a radio with a trainer (buddy box) port is great but ask the guys at the club which ones they support. You can't connect just any brand radios together.

Good Luck and have fun,
C.P.