For $50, you're not going to get much more than an expensive toy. Also beware of planes on Ebay; there are many people out there just waiting to part fools from their money.

While the Firebird Outlaw may not be the best flying plane out there, its larger siblings are perfectly fine for beginners. The Firebird Commander is an excellent beginner plane for someone with a limited budget and no access to an instructor. For something a little more advanced, the Aerobird Challenger might be the ticket. You get full 2-axis control, and throttle on a more conventional-looking (and feeling) transmitter. These planes are readily modified and repaired, and parts are widely available at many hobby shops.