You'll need a radio to fly, You might as well get a good one to start with, rather than pay a good hundred bucks for a super cheapo radio. The 662 runs $200, or $225 on the high side. Used you can find one for ~$160. Buddy boxes are almost a no-issue, They shouldnt influence your choice of radio brand. I just buy a buddy box for myself anyway, they only cost around 25 bucks new. I cant say much about Airtronics, I've never used one, but have looked at them, They make a nice radio, a few things I dont like, such as a digital throttle trim... No one where I am flies Airtronics. I do know they make some MEAN high end servos!

You do need to find a club to join, it makes the hobby a world easier to get into, as well as more fun!