RE: Re learning to fly
Don't buy a trainer!
That's what I did when I got back after a long break once. I got bored with it after the first day.
Actually, your SSE will be a good plane for you, just have someone else maiden it for you, and bring it up to a safe altitude before handing you the Tx.
If you're still uncomfortable with that, get an intermediate trainer. Something like the Goldberg Tiger or Sig 4*