Scanned over this ... my 2 cents.
Pick a plane. kit or ARF. The Tower trainer is inexpensive with the coupons and discounts. Cheap to replace if crash.
Pick power source - inexpensive glow engine or electric and Tower has an electric set up. I like the smell and sound of glow and it’s fun to run the engine. Refill and fly. But each has preferences.
Pick a radio. A 4 channel Tactic with Servos is inexpensive and is solid. About $50 can buy a second for wireless buddy system. But that’s not needed. Just Hand transmitter back and forth like I’ve taught many this way.
Get an instructor for a weekend and your flying. Enjoy and focus on technique. No gyros. Just learn to fly.
About $350 you have a great learning platform with a 40 size trainer you can see and inexpensive to repair if needed. And have FUN. Learn the basics and then research where to go from there.