RE: Newbe scratch builder help
I can only make suggestions based on the three kits I have experience with
Plywood: Firewall, Fuselage Doublers, Formers, Wing Joiners, Servo Trays
Basswood: Main wing spars, servo mounting rails, landing gear blocks
Hardwood (like Maple): Wing bolt blocks, landing gear blocks
Balsa: Everything else
There are always exceptions. My 40 size Corsair uses "hard balsa" wing spars. If you list whose plans you have, maybe someone has built the same plane and can offer first-hand info and lessons learned.