A simulator would be a great idea, not only does it help you in learning to fly, but once you learn to fly it can help you master some of those hard manouvers. but as far as planes, if it were me i would get an arf, because the flying season is soon ending, and it is likely you will not get to fly untill next year if you get a kit (depending on your schedule). Make sure you don't settle, because you first plane is most likely going to be around for a long time