Originally Posted by
jester_s1
What's important is not so much how the plane got built, but rather that it be a good airframe that is suitable for teaching a new pilot how to fly and equipped with adequate hardware, engine, and radio gear.
Of course it matters how the plane got built.
As an instructor, I see planes every year that are not at all airworthy - very poor construction. How were they built? Very poorly with no understanding of the requirements for any flight, safe or otherwise. Some are ARF assemblies, some are builds.
It also depends on what this hobby is for you. If it's only operating an aircraft in the air, fine. Any ARF, even one assembled by your parent, will do fine. If your interest is aeromodeling, then there is no place for an ARF since that does not engage you in modeling. Building does.