If you want to learn 3D follow this sequence:

1) Simulator - I would recommend AFP by IPACS, graphics are not perfect but the physical models are a step far from reality.
2) Foamy (option but not essential, if you can not afford to get into electrics)
3) Profile or Fun Fly model such as Libo, Cougar, Magic, OMP profiles.
4) Good 40 size 3D Fun Fly such as: Flip 3D, Hype, Funtana, Madness, Capiche .etc

I wouldn't recommend you to start with a fancy 40 size model, simply because you're gonna be afraid to fly it low and eventually you're gonna crash it. You have to be relativelly low when you fly 3D in order to be able to see the model better. Fun fly models and profiles are lighter so if you crash them theoritically you have less damage and are much cheaper and easier to build than the rest in many ways.

That's simply my opinion ).

Regards,

Nik