RE: Tips and tricks of building?
You didn't mention which ARF ( manufacturer ) you are building.
I recommend that you download the on-line manuals from Tower and Great Planes for somewhat ( but not identical ) planes.
Print them out.
The Tower/Great Planes manuals are particularly good because they are repleat with important "tips" about assembling an ARF.
Different tips are found in the various manuals.
Many of these pointers are applicable for many different ARFs.
Pay particular attention to cowling tips, gluing tips and alignment advice.