ORIGINAL: BMatthews
Even with simulator time you will not be ready for the realities of actual flying. I've tried most of the better simulators and none of them fully handle all the factors that the real thing throws at you.
One of those realities is pucker factor. Pucker factor = (Money x time) ^3
Bruce gives good advice. The very few people that are successful at teaching themselves on this type of plane had someone else at least maiden to check trim and balance.