I'm a beginner too, and started with a Great Planes PT-40. I agree with the suggestion of getting in a lot of simulator time. Also you might consider starting with an electric park flyer. After several incidents with my trainer, I got a GWS Slow Stick. The advantage is that the plane flies very slowly, giving you plenty of time to practice turns, lining up approaches, getting used to the controls being reversed when the plane is coming at you, etc. You can fly it on a baseball field (the infield makes a great TO and landing area), but a soccer field is better for newbies. Downside is that you need a calm day or go out just after dawn. It is a lot of fun to fly - I upgraded mine with a 7.4 V LiPo and a more powerful brushless motor. It has given me the confidence to go back to a 40 sized glow powered trainer with a new instructor.
For ratings of beginner electrics, try the last pages of this site:
http://www.plawner.net/3/1st_plane/
The Slow Stick is rather fragile - if you go the electric route, look into ones with pusher props - will save a lot of bent gearshafts and broken props.

Bob Hansman