In your situation, and willingness to join a club where you will get proper instruction on a buddy box I will recommend the Electricstar.
Ready to fly with all brand name (Futaba) quality radio gear. $199 but you do need to buy flight battery (I would buy 2) and charger seperately. Less than $100 total.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXNVC0**&P=ML
I would get an extra prop or two and thats about it for now. Most other damage can be repaired but the likelyhood of you crashing while learning on a buddy box are really low.
The airplane is make by Hobbico which is a major brand that most local hobby shops can readily get you anything you need.