RE: First Build - help me pick the kit
SackoHammers,
Unfortunately, there aren't very many beginner kits of warbirds that I am aware of. Take a look at the 4 Star 40. It is an excellent kit to get your feet wet with and flies extremely well with standard servos. Also I'm sure you could fly it with an electric motor if you want to as well.
Minnflyer has posted some covering videos in this forum and they are excellent if you want to learn to cover a plane.
Good luck with your endeavor and keep us posted.