RE: What Makes a Good Beginner Plane???-See Here (&download PDF in Post#1)
25years ago I built heavy kits and was self taught or more like self destruct, many times over, very steep and frustrating learning curve.and expensive.
Today, with all the low cost ARF's and RTF;s and sims, self taught is much more realistic.
However, a GOOD instructor is invaluable and will turn a new pilot into a good pilot quickly.
I know of too many "experienced" guys who can still barely fly circles and get it back down after 15 years.. they never took on the skillset from a good instructor, and never advanced beyond beginner status.
Ground school is a big factor, learn to understand the airplane and flight, repairs and maintenance.