I'm okay with high initial expenses, because you get what you pay for. But I don't like high long term expenses, because they add up fast.
well, you just made Culverson's point... heli's are expensive to start with, and if you are new, invariably you will have a crash .. even the most minor tail boom strike can run close to $100.00 just to fix it .. and it's EASY to do a few of those as you learn .. Heli's are expensive to start, and to maintain .. I understand you want to cut costs, but you if you are planning to spend a certain amount, double that, and put the rest away for fuel, plugs, and parts..