Membership at my club in Alabama is only 30 bucks.  That is probably low by other standards.  You mentioned getting a flt sim.  I have the RealFlight Flt Sim.  I had flown several years ago and am just getting started back into the hobby just now.  (8 year hiatus)  And I was not very good previously anyway.  I agree a flight sim is no replacment for a trainer on the buddy box.  But it is still a great tool.  The sim cost $200.  I believe it was worth it.  It had the exact model I fly in the program choices and I can tell you that the flight characteristics of the sim model were very realistic in comparison to the real thing.  You just cant sim things like wind speed and direction (gusts).  Sun in you eyes.  Various other things.  But you can get a good feel for timing.  Buy it!  Its a good investment.  Have fun brother.  Thats what this is all about.