That's right, there IS a ton of little stuff. I agree with BruceDana, talk to your local club, they've probably got tons of used stuff. I do however disagree with his suggestion of getting a 6 channel computer radio. As a beginner, you'll have plenty of new things to deal with. you need 4 channels to fly. extra channels are for things like Retractable Landing Gear, Flaps, Smoke systems, Etc. None of which you'll be using while you're learning to fly. And a computer radio just complicates matters further (not to mention adding to the bite taken out of your wallet) IMHO, Extra channels and computers are something you graduate to, not start out with. By the time you're ready for them, you'll have a much better understanding of what you need or want.
As far as Elec vs Gas, While electrics have come a long way in the past few years, there are MANY more choices of planes if you go with gas.