RE: New--Some questions
You could simply shop for a "RTF" or Ready-to-fly airplane package, ShakeandBake. This would provide you with a 98% pre-built airplane with the engine, battery, and radio equipment that you'd need to fly it, be it electric or glow powered. A good RTF plane can get you up in the air fast so you can enjoy the hobby while you're learning more about LiPo versus NiMh batteries and the advantages of 4-stroke versus 2-stroke engines.