Building a plane if you have the time and space is very rewarding. A few extra bucks for materials and tools but if you have any inkling that you like to build models and can wait to get in the air, a kit build would be pretty cool. Plus you know exactly how your plane is put together regarding any possible repairs and such. Just another bit of food for thought. My Sig LT-40 trainer kt build thread is in my signature below. Bunch of pics to give you an idea of the build process.

Sounds like you have some bit of skills under your belt? Most clubs I have heard of have training nights. Long as you have your AMA membership you're insured when you fly. My field has training night on Tuesdays. Club instructors volunteer their time to work with new folks to learn to fly. Might even help provide a buddy box. Folks at my field were very helpful with this.

Keep us posted and good luck.

somegeek