Why don't you try a free simulator just to see if you would like it. It is called FMS - or - Flying Model Simulator. It isn't Realflight - but then again - it isn't $200.00. I have used it for entertainment, and, I have recommended it to other potential R/C students - and the results have been very positive. You can even get an cable that lets you use your transmitter! You have nothing to lose!

Here is the link:
http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html