RE: Best Kits
a good advanced model kit with great step by step instructions, I would consider a Top Flight kit
the P-47 is a great starter War bird it can be built with fixed gear, or if you want to challenge your self, install retractable landing gear the instructions go over the installation process on all the Top Flight planes in great detail, and have a check the box system that is nearly fool proof as long as you have some basic building skill and read ahead in the booklet so your not surprised by the upcoming steps you will end up with a nice looking and flying model in the 60 size range that has a authentic look to it.
another option in the same size range and era is a Skyshark kit they have several warbird kits that are nice looking there laser cut wood parts fit well, and make for a nice looking scale model when finished, there a little more expensive than the TF because there a smaller company, but they have a greater variety of different models to chose from
having some basic wood working skills really helps with any kit endeavor just make sure you chose a company that provides clear step by step instructions and you should be OK there are lots of build threads on RCU as well covering many brands and styles of kits