Sorry, don't let me discourage you from loving this hobby. I just have a HUGE sore spot for the AMA and FAA. AMA not so much as the FAA who are just there for a cash grab. joining a club, if you are new in the hobby, is the best thing you can do! Most clubs, especially for plankers, are extremely friendly and very willing to help. The AMA is $75/yr, the FAA is $5 I think, not sure if it is forever or per year, or 3 years, then the club membership fee which is usually higher when you first join than the regular yearly rate. Lets say all in all for the first month it's going to cost you$150. How many crashes can you prevent in that month to justify $150? I'm guessing 1 crash, maybe 2 if you are flying a cheaper plane. So it is VERY worth it.
Oh, and the sim for the ipad, while still teaching you some skill, might actually be doing more harm than good. You are not using your Tx which is the key to using a sim. It's all about muscle memory to learn. RealFlight 8 is fantastic for planes. It's expensive, but like the Club, AMA and FAA fees, it will pay for itself in the long run.