Being in the same predicament I can probably tell you. If you just want some 3D (a bit of hovering, flat spins, harriers, rolling circles etc) do that with the Twist or Showtime. If you want to do more, you can get a GP Reactor Bipe. Its a larger engine class airplane in a compact size. If you want all out 3D, get a profile in 40-60 size or go direct to a Reactor 50cc or so with a gas engine

Ameyam