what they said,
visit those local fields BEFORE you spend any money. most clubs desire new members and will be helpful. you will likely get recomendations to what to buy and there is usually some low budget guys around ( i enjoy keepin the cost down) yes you can call me cheap check out out SPAD forum in this site and you'll get the SPAD link as well. that is a low budget option. so is used stuff but only go used with guidance from the guys that actually are going to teach you... most instructors hate teaching on junk. and every club has a guy that will sell you some junkso don't get into a hurry. i would recomend getting the best motor you can afford. an OS LA 45( not a 40) on a conventional trainer is in the 60 buck range would be about the minimum cost but works welland is new guy friendly.
often clubs have used equip such as flight boxes and elec starters etc these things are fine used if they look ok they probably are. save yourself a head ache and get a new 4 channel radio that is buddy box capable it will come with all the stuff for in the plane ..charger , servos, plugs, switch and nicad battery. check with the club on what brand and frequency FIRST.
you won't believe how much fun you're in for