@Bbvoncrum: that’s interesting, and would certainly make things easier…

@Tsetycoon: Couldn’t you also write it as - 独学は難しいです (since 難しい is also an adjective)? If so, does it make a significant difference from the しにくい version?

@Joel: I’m not quite sure I understand the distinction between the が and を version you’re using…could you explain it a little more?

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the help!

Kanjiman – Thanks for the tip! It took me awhile to get the sound file saved, but now it works like a charm!
Carlos – you’re right, I found a couple of the “missing” ones (like なかなか、きょう、and 少し) in the Kanji deck.