It would be hard to tell anyone without showing them but the price you were quoted was way out of line. A person that has put a few planes together can assemble an ARF plane about 60" in 2 to 8 hours depending on what plane it is and who makes it. Most RC fliers are great people that will do everything possible to help others enter this sport. try posting in other places to see if you can find builders and fliers in your area. If they have clubs over their talk to members. If there are hobby shops there the owners will usually be happy to put you in contact with the people that can and will help you.

I can tell you that here in the USA there are many many people that are always ready to help. I wish you luck, don't give up there is someone out there ready to help you. You spoke of the military many times there are others in the military that are fliers don't be reluctant to ask if anyone knows someone that can help