The CP2 is tough to fly, I am a beginner in helis too and like you I had budget concerns about buying one to learn on and then one to fly. I bought the CP2 thinking I would learn on it and then like to fly it. It is VERY twitchy at first. You will break stuff. I have been through a couple skids now, a main gear, and a 4-in-1 unit. If you crash, immediately pull the power back. If you try and give it throttle and the main rotor doesn't spin - immediately pull power. I overheated and cooked my 4-in-1 by not doing this.

I have considered selling mine for a blade cx to learn on...