I just started flying a couple months ago and taught myself like you are planning to do. Based on my own experience these would be my suggestions:

1. You are going to crash a lot at first, so get something durable with the motor mounted behind the wing and facing backwards. Don't even consider any plane with a front mounted motor.

2. It will take you 2 planes to teach yourself to fly. The 2-channel is easier but you will get bored with it sooner. The 3-channel will hold your interest much longer, but it is much harder to learn on, so you will crash it more in the beginning.

3. I would recommend the Firebird IIST from Hobbyzone to start with. Get an extra battery or two and a 1.2 peak charger from Hobyzone so you can get more flying time in and recharge in the field. Tape a sponge to the nose and it will survive a lot of crashes It will fly for 10 or 15 minutes and replacement parts are cheap and readily available. By the time you have wrecked it you will probably have learned the basics of flying for about $100. The Firebird Comander would be one step up. It will fly a little longer and soar much better the the IIST, but it is a little heavier and not quite as durable because of that, and about $30 more.

4. Then go to a 3 or 4 channel plane after you have some experience and are past the point of crashing all the time.