David thats another big mistake that will also limit your chances for success. As far as being pricey goes how does totally free sound? Virtually any club in the country will provide free training with the only 'price' being you become a member of the AMA and the local club. It is one on one training and can range from a standard training program to strickly a casual basis. There is that much love and enthusiasm for the Hobby/Sport that so many are willing to give freely of their time to share this.

To many folks are so insistent on useing an inappropriate airplane or not get help that most are never seen agine after they destroy their first airplanes which usually occurs in the first 30 seconds or so after launch.

I can only urge you to do it right and you will never regret it.

Hopefully, welcome to the sport.
John