I agree with OldArmy,

About 10 months ago I purchased a Vortex 2-channel plane on E-bay for $68. Complete with everything needed. I did not have anybody helping me.

I did not crash it the first time, but crashes came after that. Many of them. Mostly from being too windy for the beast (wings on a stick) or over controlling it. When I was able to fly it without crashing it, I then went to better planes:

Parkzone J-3 Cub -- 3 channel and crashed many times learning how to handle at the right speeds and how to land. Went to the next one when I could fly it without any problems.

Parkflyers Cessna 182 -- 4 channel and crashed several times learning how to control a plane that was faster, more fragile and aileron controls that reacted quickly to any input. After I learned to control it properly, I went to the next one.

Parkzone Stryker -- 3 channel with aileron controls. Lots of speed and very durable (lucky for me because of the crashes). I can now fly it very comfortably and looking for more powerful motors and higher speeds!

Parkflyers Edge 540T -- 4 channel aeorobatic plane. Also crashed a couple of times being too gutsy with a non-forgiving plane. Had to learn how to do the various maneuvers without the benefit of Hi/Lo rates. That was difficult.

Finally, a Parkzone Typhoon 3D -- Have not crashed this one -- I've learned a lot about what to do right when I'm learning with a new plane.

All of my maiden flights were at a park all by myself. I fly all of these planes almost every week (except the Vortex). I enjoy every single one of them because they behave differently. The J-3 Cub is always my last one -- very relaxing and fits like an old shoe!

Yes, I've spent a lot more time and money had I had an instructor by my side. But then, I would not have been able to fly every time I felt like it nor would I have learned so much about each of the planes, especially how to repair them! Also, I would have had a lot less fun learning. I would do the same thing again if I had to do it over.

By the way, I'm 64 years old, so I don't have a lot of time to learn as most of you young pilots do. But I do have the free time.... and money so far has not been a problem for this sort of thing.

Good luck flying and have fun doint it!