Stepping stones my friend.
Get yourself a 40 size trainer (set it up electric if you like, your budget fits) and learn at a proper field. It will take a while to get you flying well enough to fly in smaller spaces. By then you can get a smaller plane (even if you have to sell your trainer)
I wrecked several electrics early on and finally got with a club and a proper glow trainer. I am now to a point that I can fly my small electrics in my back yard (2-1/2 acres) I couldn't have reached this point without the training at the club field or a bunch of wasted money on demolished airplanes.
PS: ARF is cheaper than building it youself. Start with a cheap ARF like a $65 tower trainer for example and build your second plane while you are learning to fly your trainer.
Note: These are only suggestions based on my own experiences. It certainly is not the only route to take.