RE: Suggestions for first build
My first build and trainer was the 4*40. I flew a few electric park flyers before that. The 4*40 was an excellent kit, very easy to build and very high quality, also cheaper than the others mentioned, I think! With such a big wing, and such a light plane, it is very easy to fly. I threw a OS 40LA in mine (cheap engine) and it got along just fine.
I was in your situation last year and after much research opted for the 4*40. I recently crashed it trying to do a stupid low speed inverted pass about 4 feet off the ground. I had such a good experience with that plane, I will always have a four star in my hanger. Planning to build a 60 next. I also built a Sig Hig Bipe - another high quality, excellent build kit. Good luck on your choice.
Dion