RE: first person view heli
Crazytrain, see if you can get yourself a simulator to learn on, I think G4 would even have the in cockpit view you are looking at, it won't hurt you at all, and will probably save you a lot in parts but more importantly down time (I hate when I'm broke!!)
also, availability man... go check local fields and shops, see what guys are flying and what is in stock, again, waiting for a part sucks... the guys at the field (if you choose not to be quite so stubborn) will be your greatest help with everything from setup, a shoulder to cry on and inspiration to try the next thing.