ORIGINAL: r/cmark42
If you insist on going it alone just be prepared for some frustrating moments. I would suggesst finding one of the cheapest slowest flying planes to start. there is no doubt you will trash it eventually. Find a feild with plenty of un-obstructed view and play away!
Another suggestion is try to find a hobby shop that has a simulator on display. take advantage of experimentng on that as much as possible. they will let you continue to use so long as you are loyal to their store.
This is a wonderful, exciting and addicting hobby, i wish you the best!!
I kind of figured this would be the response, I just wanted to make sure there wasn't an option I was overlooking. I guess part of it is my desire to go out and get something that I can put up in the air as soon as possible. The other issue is cost and the current lack of funds. As a Christmas gift I have about a $300 budget all said and done and little money to allocate in the near future.
I did spend some time at a hobby shop on one of the simulators. It wasn't pretty.