Zee,
You can download the Tracer construction manual at
http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/gpma0400.html for free.
Also, if your limited on bucks, you may want to check out Joe Bridi's all wood kits, I believe he has a 40 sized Chaos type kit.
www.bridiradiocontrol.com
If you feel the need for a good instruction manual, pay the price for a great planes kit. However, there are many 40 sized good flying pattern type airplanes for a lot less dollars. The Kougar is one of them.
As for your flying skills, build what gets you excited. With an instructor and throttle control, I wouldn't sweat it. You'll find all the airplanes mentioned fly a lot better then your trainer ever thought of flying.