Where are you as far as flying skills go? Be honest here. If you are still in the trainer stage, take a look at the Sig Kadet LT-40 or Great Planes PT-40/PT-60. If you are ready for a low wing trainer, check out the Sig Four Star Series, Great Planes Rapture and Goldberg Tiger-2. All of these should be good for a first build. Building is a blast if you are inclined to do that sort of activity to begin with. You'll really enjoy it. You mentioned kits being cheaper though; I disagree with that. They generally are no cheaper than ARF's and often more expensive. By the time you buy glue, wheels, covering and so on, the price adds up quick. That's no reason not to build though. Building is something you do for your personal enjoyment. Try it, you might just get hooked.