Hi Chris,
You want to know how to get started? That is easy! By reading more on these forums!
There is a great article on how to get started with electric helis. It is called the [link=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439631]Electric Helicopter Beginner's Guide (EHBG)[/link]
Take a while and read through that. Twice.

As far as transmitters go, the rule of thumb is to get all you can afford. I chose the Futaba 9CH which is available in a transmitter only package for a decent price from [link=http://www.brucknerhobbies.com/]Bruckner Hobbies[/link] and [link=http://www.servocity.com/]Servo City[/link]. JR also makes some fantastic heli transmitters.

Oh, has anyone mentioned that real helicopter experience counts for nothing when it comes to flying RC helicopters? ;-) Consider getting a flight sim. This GREATLY reduces the frustration and cost of learning to fly a model helicopter. I like Realflight G2 or G3, and Reflec XTR is great.

I am curious. Why the hornet?

Vince