Take a look at this list I've compiled to get some good ideas for a good trainer to start with.

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm]Looking for a trainer, what's available. (Updated 8-14-06)[/link]

As far as how quickly you advance, that's entirely up to you. I once trained student in the spring and his was flying 3D by that fall. But he was at the field 4-6 days a week practicing.

Ken