All good advice and I couldn't really add anything to whats been offered. However...just so you know. You may need to adjust the fuel mixture by adjusting the needle valve. This is usually set somewhere around two and one half to three turns open from a closed position. If this is not properly set, you will indeed have a tough time getting your engine started. Once the engine is set up properly it will give you no trouble. The occasional glow plug might be all you ever need to do other than an occasional tweeeking of the needle valves to insure that your engine stays tuned.

Seek a club, or instructor as recommended and you will learn much more, quicker, and safer. And probably save some money in the process. I fly at Scobee field in Katy, but I am sure you can find a venue on your side of town. Although...Scobee has an awesome concrete runway, and there are some good instructors available. It is also open to the public (as long as you have your AMA card), meaning you don't have to pay the club dues if you don't want. However in your case you might not want to make the drive across town. Hope this helps.