I went this route,downloaded the free G3 demo.flew it enough to learn the basics as far as disorientation,stalling etc. I then built a SPAD BUHOR from the plans at spadtothebone.com .Frankly you cant get a tougher airplane than a BUHOR,its got a very low wingloading,Ive stuck it in trees cart wheeled it down the runways,stalled it up high and basicly got it into a flat spin, slamming into the ground,Ive tore up props,landing gear and mufflers but the SPAD held together.
With the basic training from the flight sim I would take it off,fly it without issue,landings were harder.At first I would just get it flying away from me,chop the throttle,keep it level and glide it in to the open field.When I got braver I would start landing approaches and start landing it where I needed to.After about 2 gallons of fuel I had it down,no instructor.
It may have been easier with an instructor,but with a SPAD it was fun going at it alone,worst case,as long as the engine and radio are ok your only out a $20 airplane,build a new one in a day,and start over.