Thanks you guys.
I really appreciate the feedback. I feel that I am pretty patient and don't want to leapfrog too much, but also don't want to invest in a FP or another Coax if i don't have to. I have been rethinking things and am really thinking hard on getting a Trex450 clone (probably the HK450), so i can setup the heli with the batteries I already use and with common off the shelve components and lots of spares. I like the feedback about Clearview too. I have been watching the CCPM setup videos from Finless Bob at helifreak, which has been very informative. I enjoy the mechanical challenge too, it hasn't been too difficult so far to understand the linkages and surfaces.
Thanks again,
Curtis