For an electric I would go with a foamy since they are durable and can be copied onto blue construction foam and cut out. I know guys that do this and they have gotton them down to 1 dollar per airframe. anyway, you will need the following with any electric:
1. Motor w/speed controller
2. micro reciever
3. 4 micro servos
4. at least 2 lithium batteries (keeping weight down is key with small electrics and lithiums also offer great flight time).

all this with an airplane will cost around 360 US dollars. (you will only pay this fee once. once you have the equipment, you have it for a long time. maybe have to buy a 5 dollar shaft and gears once in a while but..
http://www.fancyfoam.com/edge540.asp has an excellent deal on a plane, motor,esc,reciever, battery (I would buy at least 1 more battery though) for around 300 dollars. then before you assemble, trace everything onto blue construction foam from home depot, lowes, etc.. and if...When you crash you will have another airframe ready. feel free to PM me with any further questions.