RE: ready to try jets.....
Get a Baby Boomerang or a Big Boomerang. Easiest flying introduction to turbines.
The Baby has a removeable whole top section which makes installation and maintenance a piece of cake.
I also know of some jet jockies who will admit to enjoying flying it more than their superduper scale job.
I know I loved mine, now sold on to make way for a F104.
Fast is good but faster is better.