You can have your sim and airplane too! I used FMS (free) as a training tool, spending about an hour a day for a couple weeks while I was under instruction. I soloed in 4 lessons, each lasting an hour or too. I probably could have soloed faster, but the instructor wanted to make sure I was ready. He finally got bored holding the trainer switch. To have the plane, consider a SPAD Debonair. Inexpensive to build, tough as nails, very forgiving (as good as any ARF or RTF trainer). And if you order the plastic, for around $60, you'll end up with enough leftovers to build three or four more planes. Ad in $80 for a Thunder Tiger Pro 46 engine, $125 for a radio kit with 4 servos, $50-100 for other miscellaneous gear you'll need anyway (Wheels, axles, landing gear, push-rods, fuel tank, fuel tubing, 4 oz fuel bulb, glow starter, props and your on your way. Its what I learned on, and I'm still flying it, along with a couple other more exciting planes I've built from coro. You won't be doing IMACS with them, but it'll get you flying.

As for instructors, there are a number of clubs listed on the AMA site within 30-40 miles of zipcode 76240 (gainesville). I'm sure at least one of them will be willing to help you out. It may seem like a hike now, but its worth it to go find an instructor that can check out your plane and help you get in the air. Gas is cheaper than replacing an airplane after a 30 second flight. Go out to their fields and talk to them, watch them fly, get their advice.

Good luck!

Brad