One additional reason for checking out the local clubs is that they might have club trainers that they are willing to give you a few flights on while you save for your first plane. Going this route you get the chance to see if you truly enjoy flying and all things that accompany this obsession. This will also buy you some time to read, and learn from the experienced pilots about what you may or may not want out of your next plane. For example, I ran out and bought everything up front when I started. I did talk to a few people from local clubs so I at least made a good choice on what plane to buy. However had I waited a little longer I might have discovered that the whole "flight box" concept doesn't work for me. I bought a package deal at my LHS (local hobby shop) that included several items I don't like, and some that I have never used. I would have probably spent a bit more up front, but I would have had exactly what I wanted. If had it to do again I would have skipped the flight box and power panel. I would have bought a cordless starter, and glow igniter (actually I did buy one of these). I would have put all of this in a toolbox and saved the money from the flight box, power panel, corded glow igniter, and electric fuel pump, 12 volt battery. These items alone would have been as much if not more than the cost of just the glow igniter and the starter.

Anyway, there is a lot to learn, and like everyone here has said the best place is this forum and your local club. Good luck in your adventures.