sybur,

I'll have to agree with -pkh- as far as knowledge gained by building a kit. Here are some other things to consider.

Check with your local hobby shop for parts availability. (This alone should have high priority on your selection process.) Also, look into local clubs or other heli pilots in your area. See what they fly and ask why.

If your not too mechanically inclined, RTF's or ARF's are a good way to go providing that you have a local support system to help you with some of the more frustrating issues that will arise.
On line forums help a lot but nothing beats flying with someone that has experience.

As far as cheap RTF or ARf's... I'd look into a Raptor 30 or Venture 30 with a Futaba or JR flight pack. There both fairly well built and cheap enough that all you really want to do is keep them in the air. Don't go overboard on upgrades unless you absolutely have to.

Rich