My take on the radio is: buy the brand radio that the majority of the club instructors use. It will make it a lot easier for buddy box training. The brand will not make that much of a difference to you at this point.

For the club, even if it is a 30 min drive, join the club and learn to fly there. Part of this hobby is the social aspect, being around a bunch of like-minded people that will quickly become your friends. You can get a lot of advice (all kinds), tips, tricks, etc. Also, the instructor that lives in your town will probably go through some spells where they are very busy. Out at the club site, you can always try and grab another instructor, rather than waiting. Also, if you break a prop or have trouble tuning your engine, you can get help or borrow at the club site. It seems like I always end up having to borrow a screwdriver, or someone needs to borrow my glow igniter since theirs went dead.

Support your local club like you support your local hobby shop. You never know how long they will be around without your support!