F3A Unlimited is a good place to start as Arch mentioned above.

Extreme Flight makes a nice plane (hard to get, but still nice):

http://www.extremeflightrc.com/html/vanquish.html

3D Hobby Shop is coming out with a new 2M electric plane, the Osiris designed by Andrew Jesky. But they have the 62" version available now. Nice flying plane. I own one and it makes a good practice planes and I would not be concerned about flying Sportsman or Intermediate with it.

http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/62-OsirisRed_p_15388.html

F3A Unlimited sells the Sebart Wind 110 for a great price. Also a nice flying plane. And they do great package deals. The Monologue is also worth a look. So there are a few choices out there for under $2,000 that will get you started and having fun.

Also take a look at the National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics (NSRCA) website:

http://www.nsrca.us/

Some good info there as well.

Where are you in California? We have a fairly active group here as well.

Bill in Orange County, CA