Epoxy,

Your best bet is to spend the money on a good transmitter that has multiple plane memory, mixing, etc. There are many good ones on the market. I personally like Futaba, but Hi-Tech and others are just as good. This way, when you get a second plane, you can set up that plane differiently than the first (throws, servo directions, mixing, etc). This type of setup will grow with you for years to come.

As far as a plane and engine, I strongly suggest a good trainer. Chances are by the time you've soloed, and flown around a bit, the problem of getting tired of the plane will solve itself, as these planes are designed to learn basic flight, and take a beating! Your receiver, servos and engine will all be transplantible. If you belong to a club, take a look at what others are flying. Fly that trainer until the wings fall off and you can take off, land, fly in wind, crosswind landings, perform slow flight, slips, and all of the other basic flying skills proficiently. You'll thank yourself down the road for learning the right way the first time.

Another thing to consider is training. Be sure to see if your instructor has a compatible buddy box for the transmitter you choose to buy. The buddy box is basically another transmitter connected to yours that you will learn on. your transmitter is operated by the instructors, and he will have a switch that toggles your inputs on and off. This way, the instructor can take over control of the airplane at any time, thus saving you a rebuild every time you make a mistake. This is especially true when attempting a landing for the first time. For instance, Futaba radios need a futaba compatible buddy box and a trainer cord that connects them together. Ask around at your club to see what others recommend.

Good luck and have fun.