Thanks all...very strong input!

I guess my head was leaning more towards the Avistar. I was a little concerned of it not being the best for a true beginener however, due to it not being a a flat bottom wing design, and that its described as being more areobatic than your average trainers. I have logged many hours on the Realflight Sim trainer over the past few years with all sorts of planes, so I have some scense of what flying one for real might be like.

It sounds like a couple of you think the Avistar would still be an ok plane to start out on, and have the ability to grow with it into more techinical flying. Thats all Im looking for. Baby steps without getting board of a simple plane too quickly. I have full intentions of learning this the right way with instructor, buddy box, and plenty of time on the flight line.

You've confirmed a bit what I have been thinking, and my next approach will be to see what the club guys think when I meet them next meeting. I am a little apprehensive to ask someone to instruct me though, as I am the type that does not want to put people out, but it looks like most clubs have this type of program so maybe its just an everyday thing? Do you tip, or do something nice like a gift card to dinner for your instructor? Is that a common practice?

Thanks Guys, look forward to sharing my experiances with you, and anyone else that has an opinion please share!
MB