Listen to Insanemoondoggie. I have instructed newbies since a couple months after I was one back around 1970. i've used many trainers. The Avistar is a good machine to play with, but so is the Tower Hobbico Trainer. I keep one with a ST 40 for use with newbies, and have instructed others on them with everything from OS LA 40s to .46s of all kinds.
Using a 11-5 wood prop and the ST 40, I can fly inverted horizontal 8s with that machine continuosly.

Once you can fly it well, then go on to a more advanced machine, but keep it in reserve. There will be FUN-FLYs in your area with spot-landins, limbos, loops/rolls and such, and that lil' ol' Tower Trainer can compete with the best of them for most simple club type fun flys. You'll enjoy it.

My grandson when he soloed out on it several years ago. Now at 14, he's too busy to even get him here, but he can fly anything.