I'm definitely not a proponent of self learning. There is much to be learned from an experienced instructor. This includes proper plane setup, safety, and good flying habits. However, if there really is nobody around you to learn with then it's either go it on your own, travel to someplace where you can get help, or don't fly.

Rather than starting with a large trainer, you might consider a smaller and slower plane to begin with. Something like the GWS Slow Stick is easier to fly and much more able to survive the mishaps that will happen. The smaller, lighter planes seem to be able to survive mishaps that would cause significant damage to larger ones. Even if you have to replace parts, they are cheap. Once you master something like this, move to a slightly faster and more agile plane. Keep following this cycle until you build the skills needed for larger and faster planes. This, combined with lots of time on the simulator, offer some chance of success combined with a smaller potential expenditure.