Most the new guys at our field have the same problem - the ones with trikes. Firewalls get ripped-out too.

I modified the plans for my trainer and built it as tail dragger. My instructor thought it a fine idea. Learning to take-off and land it wasn't an issue. It's not that hard as long as the main gear has a bit of toe-in - so you don't ground loop.

Learn it all at once. Build a tail-dragger.