"Stik" They do maneuver easier than a trainer, but you won't do as many of either in total as you'll probably crash it pretty severely in the first few takes off & landings.

You can start on a Stik, but you'll be in the top 5% of lucky or naturally gifted pilots if it survives a dozen flights if you start on your own. They have to be flown, not reacted to as is the way most students fly while learning.

By far the best bet is a trainer and an instructor. Learning to fly a trainer well does make some later tasks easier. Hey! What a concept. The trainer helps you become better. Shazam!

As far as a simulator. You know when it is real and potentially expensive and unpleasant vs. when it is a matter of resetting the simulation. Practice by having an assistant break one of your fingers every time you mess up on the simulator and that may help simulate the nervousness you feel with real models in the air. Landings and take off are WAY easier (IME) on simulators. No bumpy grass and pot holes that the wheels fight or poorly running engines that konk out when you open the throttle.

Oversimplified.