Pitch, take it one step at a time. Build a trainer and then a sport type low-wing or mid-wing type for a second plane. You will build up your skills, and you will be able to build your Extra.

But now that I see that is your goal, a 46 size trainer is not such a bad idea because it will take the same engine as your Extra.

On the other hand, the truth is nobody I know in this hobby has only one engine, and people often enjoy having a trainer around, so the .25 size planes are still a perfectly good way to go. The Sig LT-25 is supposed to go together really well, and I agree with Larry--from what I've seen at our field it is an excellent flier on a cheap .25. Your other choices are good too.

I know a guy who got out of the hobby awhile ago and sold off most of his stuff, but there were two planes he couldn't bear to part with--his Banshee (a hot piped .60 pattern plane) and his Eaglet 50.

Jim