You have a better outlook already by the sound of it. You can go a local hobbie shop and get a simulator or buy a Model airplane news or RCModeler magazine and you'll find a lot of ads for products - even complete kits for starters like yourself. As for the buddy box it is really quite simple - your transmitter must have this capability - then you have to find someone with the same brand transmitter (this is why you should contact a club first before you buy anything because then they can advise you on what type to buy) - your transmitter is the one that will fly your plane (this will be used by your instructor) the other compatible transmitter you will use (it is not powerd (turned on) and does not matter what frequancy it's on compared to yours. You also want to make sure the person who is going to help you with this also has the patch cord to conect the two transmitters or you may have to buy your own. As for the insurance in essence yes it is just liability. Your transmitter if bought new will have a warrenty (usually 1yr). Check your house ins plicy for coverage on the plkanes while at home or away , you might have to put a rider on the policy to cover them for fire , theft etc. So get your simulator and get some help before you buy. My advice and 2 cents.