I'll donate my 2 cents...

I got my NexStar and joined a club and had a day of instruction (3 flights) with a very nice instructor on a buddy box. I did great. He rarely had to take over so I felt confident. Well... I decided I could do it on my own since I did so well. NOT.

An instructor helps with more than just flying. I was taught (after buying a replacement fuselage) how to preflight (check the control surfaces, tune the engine, range check, etc), how to fly in cross winds, how to use the rudder, etc. All of these are things the sim do not teach you.

So, like all of the others have noted, spend the time with an instructor and let him/her tell you when you are ready to solo. Don't become another casualty of over-confidence or you will spend more money on parts, and lose some flying time while you wait for the parts to arrive, or worse - leave the hobby all together.