Welcome to the forum! This is a great place to share stories and learn about RC flight. I am very new myself and don't feel qualified to answer your questions, but I can tell you this:

After doing a lot of research and reading up on a good "first plane" I bought an Aerobird Challenger. I could go into all the reasons why one might choose a Challenger, but it all boils down to this. The plane is cheap (<$150 ready to fly), extra parts are cheap and readily accessible at your local hobby store, and with a few simple modifications before you fly, the plane is incredibly durable. Do a few searches here and elsewhere on the Aerobird Challenger. There are many choices out there, but the Challenger fit the bill for me. I love the plane, and it has taught me to fly from scratch. I have yet to crash the plane causing damage, and I have about 15 flights on it.

There are a few downsides - if you plan to "get into" RC flight and upgrade and buy more planes in the future - the electronics in the Challenger are not desirable as they cannot be removed from the plane and reused. But for the money - and if you don't have interest in building your own kit right out of the starting gate - I think the Challenger is a great deal.

Just my two cents worth. Good luck in your search.