You did ask for cost savings. It potentially will cost you much more to go it alone.
That said, you have some good choices in the Alpha 40 and that P51 (is that the Hanger 9 PTS ?) if so it comes with a simulator. Not the best from what I have heard but will definitely help.
If your choice of planes does not come with a simulator I would strongly suggest using one (alot cheaper to crash a plane on the computer than the real thing) You should develop a feel for flying (at least trainers to start) in fairly short time with enough practice.
A SIM on the cheap would be about $12 or so for a USB interface cable to hook your real controller to your computer (make sure you take your crystal out when it is plugged into your computer) and a Free download of FMS flight simulator.
Didn't one of the Wright brothers die in a plane crash?