Olympic fencing is not a very good foundation for realistic sword fighting. The footwork is too linear, the advance-retreat rule is unrealistic, and the 'swords' they use are too different from real swords. All of these things and more build bad habits and create misperceptions.
To tell you the truth, despite the inaccuracies, I personally have not seen any better book for complete beginners that is currently out there. Since you are isolated, you may have to make the best of your situation and use this book as well as the historical manuals that are available online. The book will at least show you the basic motions of many things, such as the stances and some of the basic cuts (but beware the krumphau interpretation).
One helpful distance-learning technique that solo members in ARMA sometimes use is to record themselves on video and post it online for critique. Most of the time this is done privately between members, but since you're not a member, you might consider doing this publicly.
One of the most important rules to follow when learning (especially if you are on your own) is to train with intent- that is, if you are attempting a technique, make sure it works at realistic speed and power against a resisting opponent, better yet, make sure you can actually do it in sparring. If you can't get it to work at that level, then you probably need to refine your interpretation.
See this article for more information:
http://www.thearma.org/essays/Intent.htm
Also, fitness plays a big role in advancing in the art. If you are in good shape, it's more likely you will move efficiently and correctly. See the following article for more on the importance of fitness:
http://www.thearma.org/essays/fit/RennFit.htm
Lastly, pay attention to what you do when you spar. Try to incorporate what you've learned, and be ready to recognize what works when you are successful or what didn't when you aren't. Sparring is a very important learning tool. See the following article for more info on that:
http://www.thearma.org/essays/sparornot.htm
If you study the historical texts, practice with intent and with an honest trial-and-error attitude, stay in shape, and spar often and with intent and vigilance of what works and what doesn't, and be willing and able to say "I was wrong about this", you will have many of the tools you need to advance in the art.
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