Great Planes is a good company. I have never flown that RV-4, but I feel pretty comfortable in saying that is probably flies well. You are right in your assumption that that plane will not make a good platform to learn on. Why not buy a trainer kit? They are cheaper than thier ARF counterparts and will fulfill your "winter project" needs quite well.

If you are set in your decision to buy your 2nd plane first, and just start the build - it looks like a good one to me. Although there are some great semi-symetricals out there that will do lots of great aerobatics, while still providing stability for the lower end of the learning curve. The Ultra stick series come to mind.

Good luck!