I'd go with the advice to learn how to Harrier first.

I've been spending the last month or so just Harriering on every flight - absolutely nothing else at all. I've lost count of how many flights I've done.

I use a PA Katana MD. It's probably not the best as it's pretty sensitive to inputs and yet not as robust as the EPP profile models, but at least being a small electric I can fly it at a local park early mornings before work, which gives me plenty of stick time. You can read about some of my experiences here...

http://www.rcmf.co.uk/4um/index.php/topic,83180.0.html

and here...

http://www.rcmf.co.uk/4um/index.php/page,124.html

All the best...