If you got the space...definitely 1/8 scale is the way to go. Monster truggy, truggy, or buggy. The Yeti is great, but possibly you'll be running after it more times than not to upright it during wide open space bash sessions.

I wish I had got a 1/8 scale buggy a long time ago. Probably the toughest RC I have ever owned. The truggies I had were unfortunately great as well. I just happened to pick the one brand that had one little part of the drive-train that kept on breaking, and made the whole thing a money pit .

Kit or RTR...lots of great 1/8 scale choices out there. I'm not gonna start to point finger at brands, but if just starting out I'd look at Tower Hobbies and Horizon Hobby for offerings.