Welcome to this hobby, may U not crash

I believe the 40LA is not quite a good choice, sure it has that coooool blue colour, but what's inside is more important right?
I'd suggest you get a 40FX, but that is like twice more expensive. I'd say you'd be luckier with another brand of engine. How about Enya? TT? See what your friends r using... because you'll NEED them to tune it for you!!! If you have a tight budget, have you considered a 25 sized planes? They are smaller and easier to transport.

As for radio, you've made the right choice to get a 6 channel radio. 4 channels like mine are usually shoooort ranged and have crashed many of my planes. The Hitec range is usually cheaper than the Futaba range. Get an Eclipse 7 if you've got the dough, or a Laser 6.

As for a plane, if you are serious about a 40 sized plane, to cut costs have you considered the Arising Star or Classic by Seagull and Phoenix respectively? These Vietnamese planes are cheaper. Get the Arising Star!!!

As for self-learning, try to find a trainer... sometimes there are fliers lurking around the corner that may just give you free training! Anyway if you cannot find a trainer, get a simulator. These simulators are good stuff. FMS is good, but Realflight G2 is better. G2 has a flight instructor which may just be the right thing for you.

CYA