I learned to fly when there was no buddy box. I will tell you from all the advancements in this sport, I think one of the best is being able to train without passing the box. I learned on a tail dragger and had my fits. The LT 40 is the ticket. Electrics can be dangerious especially if you do not use care in charging and an electric motor has tremendous torque which will cut you up just as bad.

If you want a cheap think to fly out of the box and dink around with then get something like a firebird or better yet get a good flight sim.

I wouldn't waste your time with anything but your LT and someone to train you. That is your best chance of sucess. Also after you build, no matter how bad the urge (we have all been there) have an experianced modeler go over your plane before you go out and do anything, even taxi playing.