Sorry. I didn't preface that I was actually tossing up the idea for those who might seek this as an alternative. The piecemeal approach would be more expensive (which I did state in my post).

I know the post is "Getting Started for under $300" but I was just tossing the idea as an alternative. Especially if you budget were $300 but the plane you really want is only going to cost $400 to get. Then why not try this route. You wouldn't even have to go kit. You could get an ARF plane to start.