Hi m8,
Flying remote Helis is like take your first steps of trying to WALK.....Not Run. So IMHO you first of all its to try out small first just like your friends told you...The Raptor 30 its a good machine that its a good newbies machine and can go the full hog to 3D. After you purchase the machine for the radio gear get the cheap and very functional Sanwa or in US Airtronic RD6000. Please dont used the stock servos come with the package, they are a bit sucky, get the ballraced servos at least they last a but longer in the long run. For engine get their Thunder tiger ones or the OS. For gryo go for the CSM 540 this one support super servo, this mean digital servo. This gyro got Head lock which its good for beginners and easy to setup, BTW get ONE digital servo to put on the tail YOU NEED IT. Then for your training aid get a flight simulator like the tru flite 3D the latest version with USB cables. this well help you to practise and get the know the movements of the helis without spending your hard earn cash on repair costs ;-). For training aid for your raptor helis make your own hooler hoop training undercarriage, please please please don't used the training sticks that they sells at models shops with large plastic golf balls at the end becease they suck due to they dug in to the ground went you used it.. I know I use it when I practise hover when I was a Newbie. The hooler hoop dont dug and it help alot.
For the question on parts cost the raptor its cheap. Compare to Hirobo, Kyosho, Xcells etc. this go to the 60's size machine as well. I know I own Kyosho, Hirobo, Kalt , Robbe helis ..
Train with your raptor 30 for about a year or two then go for the raptor 60 ( CHEAP PARTS M8 Pros crash too)
The 60s machine its very stable on winding condition plus playing autos with them its great.