I just have to say this in defense of building a kit for your first plane, it is true that it could cost as much as an ARF, by the time you are done, and it is also true you are emotionally invested in the plane. But, unless you have good woodworking skills, or have built many other models, you will make construction mistakes, particularly with straight surfaces, washout, and the plane's symmetry. It is my opinion that you'd be much better off learning to build right along as you learn to fly, instead of flying that ARF trainer, followed by an ARF taildragger, and then finally getting the itch to build on a P51 or something like that. That is NOT the plane to learn how to build on, much better that you have gained building skills on a trainer that is much more forgiving. Not to mention, with a whole winter, that ARF will be just sitting there from February on. Of course, if you think crashing something you built would be too much to take, then go grab the ARF.
good luck!!