Here is what I recommend, but the caveat is that I do understand money can be an issue and prohibitive:
If you want to learn without major frustration....if you want something that is easy to learn on get a heli at least 450 size or larger. The difference in stability between a 450 size and a small micro heli is like night and day. The minimum I would get is a Blade 400...it comes with everything you need. But the downside to the B400 is that it's a RTF heli and you won't get the build/repair experience for when you crash. If you truly believe you will stay in this hobby, I recommend you get a Trex 450 or Mini Titan or Dragonus 450, etc. You will build it yourself and put your own electronics in it. Yes, the initial cost will give you sticker shock, but it is well worth it. You will not be as frustrated, you won't have to upgrade anything, and you will crash less!

I also highly recommend a simulator...Phoenix is generally the preffered one for heli's but Realflight isn't bad either. There's a basic free one over at helifreak as well in the simulator section. Lastly do a search on RADDs School of Rotary Flight and folllow it to a 'T'.

Good luck!
Skarn