I agree with what has been said. A low wing plane is not the one to learn on. I am just starting out in planes too (been doing cars and boats a while), this is my first plane:



It's made from expanded polystyrene, which means that unlike a balsa model, it doesn't turn into toothpicks when you try to land it. It's powered by an OS .40 LA which it came with along wih the Tx, nicad and 5 servos. Total cost secondhand . . . £90 (approx. $160).
I then just bought a Futaba 6EXA, crystals and a few other things and I'm away!
It is also worth noting that Futaba radio set's have a 'buddy' system. Get a futaba radio and join a club. Hopefully there should be someone there with a Futaba too, which means you can link them. He takes control when uoi'te in troubler.

Good Luck.