BASlug,
Hopefully you won't "tune" ksechler out as well

It is much more difficult to "learn" in the manner you are proposing. Especially with a zero.

If you have done as much research as you say then maybe you noticed that almost all models sold as trianers look remarkably similiar... This is because form follows function in most aircraft design

For Small Electrics I would recommend looking at GWS models they are decent flyers out of the box easy to assemble and repair use airborne components that can be reused in other models and relatively inexpensive.

Two that I reccomend are the Tigermoth and slow stick for about 250-350 you can get airborne quickly then after you have a "taste" of flying and some experience building/repairing you could attempt the zero conversion