RE: How's this for a beginner to start out?
First advice, as long as you are adding a rudder you might as well add elevator while you are at it. That will give you even more control, espeacially when landing.
Look around vendor sites at the various kits, some have downloadable manuals. Those manuals, although not specific to the aircraft you will build, will give you a good idea of how to build and hookup the control surfaces.
Even though you are starting out with only a single channel or two a good 4 channel or even better 6 channel radio would be worth the purchase and you will be able to use the same radio in your future aircraft.
Best of luck