RE: A Beginners Quest
If you use a 40LA, you should use either a 10x6 or an 11x4. You'll get more thrust out of the 11x4, and the 40LA is more of a torquing engine than a rev engine so it should like it better. 10x6s are the standard do it all props for anything in the .40 cu in range.
As SM pointed out, the 11 is the diameter and the 6 is the (theoritical) pitch.
Although, I still have reservations about you wanting to fly a Dogfighter as a first plane. And the radio, well you can get the hitec Laser 6 channel with 4 standard servos for 140$ on Tower, plus 3 micro servos if you want them at 16.50 each will get you a fine setup for 205$
If you still plan on getting a 40LA, its all good because you can build a BUHOR 25 for it.
good luck with the crashing...I mean...flying.