A sim is what finally got my head out cockpit and on a box. And if you get into Heli,s , you,ll be happy you have it.
Just like full scale , there are steps to go thru and dues to be paid. lol AMA , Club dues etc , just like hanger or wet wing fee,s.The best and cheapest route in the long run, would to be to hook up with a local club. See if they have some used stuff to get started with. Pound the heck out it , while your figuring out your next plane.
A lot depends on what amount of stick time you have ?
Hard to find a RTF or ARF Trainer thats going to be a taildragger , but you can mod them.
Welcome to RCU, good place to start.