I dunno... I am a pretty cheap sucker too.... but I still think a person can get into the hobby for very little money....you just have to be patient and look in the right places...

Every year my local club holds an auction where we all bring our old stuff (the stuff our wives are forcing us to liberate) and we auction it off! You don't have to be a club member to participate and you can usually walk away with some sweet deals....(much to my wife's dismay ) Last year I picked up a US Aircore trainer, with a Magnum pro .45, and Airtronics Vanguard (4 channel).... all for $115. I sold the plane to a friend, who still flies it, the engine works great and I currently use the radio.

Now, I agree that you don't get deals like that all the time, but with patience and just being in the right spot at the right time you can pick up some sweet deals.... I figure the SPAD route looks nice, and cheap, and durable... so I can fly it, crash it, and fly it again.... If I lose the plane I'm only out 10 or $15.

Once you get going, just take excellent care of your stuff and it'll last you... by the time you are ready for fancier, more expensive birds you'll be so hooked you'll find a way to make it happen...