RE: what first low wing plane
The two I have read the mosta bout are the Mini pulse or the GWS formosa 2 (on low rates of course!), I have a formosa andit looks a nice kit I haven't built it yet though so I can't say much about it. The Mini pulse is meant to be a quick and easy build and flies just great as it is, if you are confident with high wings either of these should do you proud remember though the mini pulse is balsa so although it may be stronger then foam it takes a lot more rebuilding after a hard landing.