You know, I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum from Kennelmaster. I cannot afford to destroy my planes and do not have a private area to fly so I went with the recommended instructor path and now fly quite well.

However, I have been silent all this time because of this single point: IF i had the $$ to throw into the hobby that way, and IF I had my own acreage to do it on you better believe I would have done it on my own, and crashed multiple models doing it. But it would have been an enjoyable learning experience none the less, so go for it! if you haven't already, and when you solo, let us know! (preferrably with video / pictures!)

The best thing, (and yea, I am bit petty here) is when you make it, which I believe you will, you can come back here and say "I told you so!" to all the naysayers who believe it cant be done without an instructor.

Just one peice of advice, you are most likely in for a long road with multiple crashes, please please do not get discouraged by this! FLY!!