Wow guys, you are all quite helpful! I mean, seriously, you all put alot of thought, and didn't mind taking the time to type up so much information. Most forums, on different topics of course, people just respond with one-liners and such. Very different community here, and I thank you all greatly!
I think I've decided what I want to do. I now plan to get a radio. Probably the $160 one. I was looking at some of the other radios that come with the RTF kits, and they do seem a bit inadequate. And I'd like something to grow with over the years and become totally used to. So this is probably my first step.
As for the sim....I still want to get it. Actually I very much want to use the sim, not only as a learning tool, but I think it looks like a ton of fun (I'm a big pc gamer anyway lol), and something I can actually learn from and take into real life and show what I've learned. You can't do that with games hehe.
I also plan to talk to an instructor or 2 or 3, or however many I can find lol. Especially before I actually try flying for real. I'll try to make contact with some before anything else, but I still have yet to actually "find" my local field haha. The hoppy shop told me relatively where is it, I just have yet to drive there and check it out. I don't even know the hours of operation or anything yet. But I'm definately going to check it out. I might even drive over there today and see if I can find it and if anyone is around.
As for my starter plane.....I've been looking at some ARF models, and they really don't look like they're that difficult to assemble. I'm sure I could do it. So I'm considering that now as well. But honestly, I don't see myself actually getting one until after I've bought the sim and practiced with it for a while. I REALLY wanna fly the sim haha. All winter long really....I really want to practice approaches and landings. And hopefully I can do this with a new radio.
But trust me, I'm very patient (have to be with this budget lol), and I'm not into a rush to get up in the air. I'm going to try my hardest not to do anything stupid.
Vhayne