If you will be joining a club that has a beginners instruction program, the instructors recommendation is probably your best choice. The will be familiar with the initial setup and any quirks, and can get you off to a good start. I also recommend against a scratch built as a first plane - too long to get ready to fly, and too much emotional investment. If you are not joining a club, try to find a local hobby shop that can demonstrate a simulator - one of those might be a good investment.