CAPtain232,
I would suggest one of the commercially available kits as a starting point. Scratch building your first plane is time consumming for someone just starting in combat.

Since Nvillerod is flying combat near you I would suggest you visit with the folks he flies with. If you are going to fly competitively it would help to have some folks nearby to practice and fly with.

As far as kits go, the manufacturers that you might wish to check out who have both B and SSC planes are:

1. Lanier RC - the Ripper or Slasher
2. Tufflight - the Panther and Predator
3. GRS Models for ARF Falcon flying wing (not as durable but flies great)
4. Team Seaholm for the Avenger 964 and 972
5. Hat Trick RC for the Bat Trick, Choker, Mini Choker
6. WWW.Texascombat.com for the Cobra and SMACK II

Good luck with combat, its a blast.