Another way to get in cheap. Visit the site of your local flying club. May as well get to know them because this is where you will need to find an instructor.

They may have a club trainer you can take up for a taste of RC.

Check and maybe post a 3 by 5 card Often there is a member who wants to sell a good trainer and perhaps even 4 channel radio to go up a level in aircraft. This can get you in cheap. Also may be a source of used engines. When you find out what you need, there are used engine ads on our forum.

Tom