Although simulators are much easier to fly then real helis I would still recommend that you get and fly on a simulator. It will teach you the basics of heli control.
I use the free fms simulator. Not realistic, not $200 but again it will teach you the basics. You will probably need help just to set it up if you are completely new to helis. You will have to to buy a cable for your controller but they are about $30.
Took me a while but I'm at least hovering my cp pro.
heli directly is currently sold out of their system but this is a good start.
http://www.helidirect.com/product_in...roducts_id=890