@RastaManCan, thanks for responding!
The very first thing you will see when people inquire about learning to fly:
Your medical!
DO NOT ASSUME that the 3rd class medical will be a give me. I would first search this forum regarding medicals. Read a few threads. You will see that some people really get hung up on prior alcohol, drugs, psych stuff, etc. So take the medical seriously but at the same time, get it over with and behind you. You don't really have to study a single thing and you will have accomplished a critical first step. I'm not trying to talk you out of a discovery flight or studying, rather...bump this medical thing higher up on your list of to-do's. Actually, before you submit anything or go in for the medical, come back and ask a few questions to be sure you are on the right track.
I love watching the YouTube videos when its too crappy to fly. A few of the members here have cool YouTube channels.
I am not a sim guy so I can't give a perspective from both sides (actual vs sim). I have a hunch it could help you learn radio jargon if the sim is live with controllers talking. I know it can also help with Instrument Rating practice. However, I do not believe it is a valid substitute for the Private Pilot training and flying.
There will be smells, heat, sounds, vibrations of the plane, the feel of true forces on the yoke and pedals that will not be possible in a simulator. I know 2 people that are serious into simulators but never crossed over into flying. They talk like pilots. One I took up. After takeoff from a Delta under a Bravo and a transition through a busy Bravo he was like: "Holy ****, I had no idea what it was really like!" He recognized some of the jargon but his first question afterwards was: "How the hell do you do all that by yourself?" So get out and fly. Sounds like you'll love it. And yes, its not cheap so budgeting is very wise...after the medical is behind you