I'm self taught too. No buddy box or sim. Here's what I did:

Practice your controls using yours THUMBS and your BRAIN. You can do this anytime, anywhere. Just pretend your holding your TX and visualize your plane flying. UP (right thumb back)..... DOWN (right thumb forward)....left turn...right turn... throttle...etc.

You can gain a lot of valuable "flying time" without out any equipment. This really helps to build up your "muscle memory" and doesn't cost a thing (except the funny looks you get if you're doing it in public!).

Best of luck with your maiden, and get some flying time in before you leave the ground!

Chili