To the OP:

The topic of doing this hobby on the cheap comes up often. The truth is that this hobby is going to cost money. You can pay up front for good stuff and pay the fees for club and AMA dues, or you can pay in back for broken and lost equipment and time spent repairing. If you cost out everything it takes to get going in the hobby, airframes actually are not that big a deal. Even if the airframe is free (the built part), you still need an engine and electronics and a place to fly. That said, buying a used beginner setup from a trustworthy club member can save you some money, and paying the club and AMA membership so that you can get training and take care of your equipment will save you alot more. Electric park flyers are an even cheaper option, but they don't perform like a standard model does.