I couldn't agree more.
If you are new to the sport, visit some of the local clubs and speak to the instructors. If you have more than one club nearby, visit them all and get a feel for which one will suit you best.

As for the engine choice. Go with the common brands (OS, Magnum, Saito, Thunder Tiger, Tower, Evolution, Super Tigre and a whole host of others) Find out what brand your Local Hobby shop distributes mostly and consider that brand - it is more likely that parts will be readily available that way.

If it is your first Glow Plane, I would suggest a 2 stroke, My personal preferences would be OS 40FX, OS 46AX, Evolution 46 or Magnum 2 cycle - I am sure that there are as many opinions out there as there are fliers as to what is the best motor to use.

One thing is for sure in this sport - you get near a group of fliers and 99.999% of them are more than willing to assist you.