Here's my two cents...(and it's probably overpriced at that).

Asking who makes the best trainer etc is sort of like asking who makes the best car... everybody has their own experiences and preferences, but all of them will get you to work.

Go to the club and talk to the instructors. Find out what buddy box(es) they use or have available. There's no use getting a NexStar (which comes with a Futaba radio I think) if all the instructors have JR radios and buddy boxes.

There is nothing wrong with the NexStar, but if you're going to learn with an instructor and buddy box, the airbrakes and flight stabilization system aren't as important. You might be able to pick up something else which will serve the same purpose and save you a few bucks. Or... you could splurge a bit on the radio and get something a little more advanced.... everyone has their own opinion here too. As for the simulator included with it, ask around at the club... there may be someone who will loan/sell you their copy for cheap.

I think you will learn more about how to set up and maintain your airplane if you get an ARF without all the radio gear and engine already installed. With some research and a friendly instructor to point you in the right direction, it's not hard to put together and install all the bits and pieces. Having said that, you'll learn even more building from a kit, but whether you take that route is up to you... again, lots of people have their own opinions.

As long as you buy a trainer type airplane (whether it be a Sig LT40, Goldberg Eagle 2, NexStar or one of the many others, you can't go too far wrong...again, talk to your instructors).

Buy a radio from one of the major players...JR, Futaba, Airtronics, Hitec... and you won't go too far wrong. Again, find out what buddy boxes the instructors use and buy something compatible. Ask the guys at the club to show you their radios and what they like/dislike about them.

As for engines...lots has been written about this engine/that engine which is best/worst etc. As long as you get a reputable brand with a displacement that matches your airplane you should be OK. Again, talk to your instructors as they will probably have found that some combinations of airplane/engine are better than others.

For what it's worth, I learned on an LT40/OS 46FX/Airtronics RD6000. The airplane has gone to balsa heaven(dumb thumbs), the engine is now in it's third airplane and I'm beginning to want more radio...4 years later.