wingspan... 177 inches ( well over 4 meters...) THAT is one large model.

It would be essentially useless at many slope sites. Being unfamiliar with your area... I have no idea if any slope sites that were large enough would be within your commute range.

For thermal hunting... it would be good. for aerotowing... you'd have to find someone with a VERY large model to tow it... (that model would normally be winch launched... Any High-start would have a hard time with it. Most High-Starts would barely get it aloft. some wouln't even drag it across the ground...)

Start out with gliders with something on the lines of the Great Planes "Spirit" or Carl Goldberg "Gentle Lady"... Nice easy to handle 2- meter introductory types that aren't expensive.