Howdy from the Houston Texas area. I also cut my teeth on "toy grade" drones. Fact is I have trashed a few (Syma, Skyvipers etc). Though I was upset at the time, in hindsight it was an inexpensive way to learn. I got my first M1P (pre-owned on and was still getting the hang of it when I was flying in sport mode and hit a low hung branch. I was devastated. I then saw an add for an M1P at a local pawn shop for sale. As it was my birthday (2/28) they gave me a good deal and i bought it. I sent my original damaged M1P to Thunder Drones and for under $200 it was repaired so I now have 2 M1P's