C5,

Building a kit was also going to be my advice!!!

Since your new to this field I just wanted to pass on a little advice. You don't mention how large an aircraft your are planning to design but keep in mind that the bigger it is the more expensive it will be. Some of these giant scale planes take years to construct and cost thousands of dollars!!! Not trying to scare you off just stating a fact so you can better understand the cost differences in creating a 60" 5-6lb model vs a 160" 40-50lb model

Good luck enjoy... Who knows after building a kit you may become addicted like the rest off us!!!