When I started looking I set my criteria this way:

1. Something with a high wing design for stability and easy flying.
2. Something that if I crash, and I will sooner or later, will not be a huge loss or keep me grounded.
3. Something that is repairable.
Then I said, "Let's see what's out there."

It just makes sense though when you're starting out to NOT buy a plane that if something happens, it will take time to get another. That can be so disheartening you give up all together, or decide you can't afford this hobby. Which comes to fourth on my list:

4. Something I enjoy flying.
Of course, if you're can't afford to replace the plane you lost, and can't repair it, you're not enjoying flying at all which is just as disheartening.

Just my thinking for the half-penny it's worth.