If there is any other information you think I may be missing, please tell me. I appreciate all your help.
Most of the bases have been covered..
1. Don't try to fly it in a small park or schoolyard. It's NOT a park flyer and will require more room (especially your first landing approaches)
2. Can't say this enough get an instructor and some hands on help. These forums can be a great help but nothing beats one-on-one instruction.
3. A Sim can be a great help in overcoming the control configuration issues you mentioned. (it's one of the reasons I'm so critical of the 'bird series of planes but thats a topic for another thread
)