Dr,
If it were me I would try to get as much radio as I could to start off with such as the 14FG, search for this number 380712581049 on ebay. This radio uses all the Futaba 2.4 ghz techology FHSS, FAST, and FASTEST. It also has telemetry. Next there's the Futaba 8FGS which also had 14 channels available.
Also on ebay theres a Futaba 9C with a 2.4ghz module and The 72 mhz syn module that lets you select any 72 Mhz airplane freq. Also comes with a 2,4ghz rx and a 72mhz rx. $350 free ship. Goto ebay and do a search for this number 321202894298 to find it.
There's also a 7C 2.4g NIB for $170 on ebay. Goto ebay and do a search for this number 290973011979 to find it.
Regards