I must be the only one but I don't think the sim is any real help except for orientation. I got the free version of Aerofly and I am glad I did or I would be kicking myself if I spent enough money to buy a heli... on a game. There is NOTHING like flying the real thing. Get yourself a durable CHEAP heli and use it as your learner. Take it slow... I got a Honeybee FP and that thing is tough as nails. I crashed it a thousand times and total repair cost is below $20. I try my new stuff on that heli. I am just starting FF. But to me the sim is just a game. Yea you can practice 3d on the sim but that is back to orientation and that alone won't get you to hover.

So my suggestion is get a free sim and a cheap starter $100 heli and $20 in spare parts.