First thing to do is go to your local club and introduce yourself. You'll meet a lot of great people and get to check out what this hobby is all about. Most clubs have a designated instructor(s) and he will be able to help you learn to fly in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of frustration and expense. Check out the sticky at the top of this forum for equipment choices that RCKen has put together. Your instructor can also be helpful in this area. Simulators are usefull but they are not a substitute for a good instructor and a buddy box. Most of all have fun!!
Best of luck and welcome to the disease.