ORIGINAL: OliverJacob

I had 4 stroke engine right from the beginning. No problems operating any of them. I have a couple Magnums and OS, they all start and run great. And they are easy on fuel and the ears.
I had a few crashes, never broke an engine...
So if your plane can handle the extra weight, I'd use the 4 cycle. I don't see why they would be harder to operate. Make sure you use the right prop nut with a jam nut, and the worst you will see is that if the engine backfires, the prop comes loose, but does not spin off.
Also - use an electric starter, do not hand start it, unless you know you engine well. As a beginner - keep you hands away from the prop.
Same thing for 2 stroke engines.
When it come the engine repairs - yes, the strokes are a lot easier to work on. Less parts, less costs and less efficiency.