The first question is whether you will have an instructor or not. If you have an instructor, then follow their recommendations.
As for 3 vs 4 channel. If you are going to try and learn on your own, in my opinion, the RTF three channel R/E/T electrics can be a very good starting point. You will find a lot of information on them in the Electric Aircraft section of the forum. This area tends to be more for glow powered pilots.
Whether you are using R/E to fly or A/E or A/R/E, you are still using the right stick to manage most of the flying. If it is a single stick radio, then it doesn't matter.
You may find these articles helpful in your training:
The New Flyer's Handbook
by Ed Anderson - AEAJR on the Forums
If you are new to RC Flying, this series of articles may be helpful in your
training. Consider them part of a beginners handbook. They are written with
the new flyer in mind.
How RC Planes Differ from RC Cars
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=17
Stall
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=31
Take Off and Land into the Wind
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=43
Parts of the Plane
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=54
The Radio - The Pilots Cockpit
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=59
Why Join a Club
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=64
Club Locator
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubmai...7446CCCB618C00
Lost Model Locators
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=67
Radio Systems Part 1 - Standard Radios
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=44
Radio Systems Part 2 - Computer Radios - A Better Investment
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65
The AMA, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, is an outstanding resource to the
new
and experienced flyer. I encourage you to become a member. Here is an
outstanding series of articles published by the AMA that will be really useful
to new pilots. It is called, "From the Ground Up" by Bob Aberle. I highly
recommend
it.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/mag/FTGU/Part1/index.html
RC Clubs in the United States:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubmai...5E31DE4FA6F552
International RC Clubs
http://www.fai.org/fai_members/addresses.asp
Birth of an Elecric Flying Club
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4612
New Electric Flyer FAQs
http://www.ezonemag.com/pages/faq/a105.shtml
Good luck new pilot and welcome to RC flying!
The high wing, three channel, R/E electrics are wildly popular as first planes for people trying to learn on their own.