Having started a long time ago, when all there was were kits or scratch built, I think depending upon your interests, you can start with a kit or ARF. It's a personal choice only you can answer. Your second plane choice, is dependent upon your abilities and success at learning to fly. However, I think the 4 star is a good choice if you pick up on flying quickly.

Like you, I have a long winter building season. I actually have more time to build then fly due to the fact that all outdoor activities must get done during the warm months. I also like building better then flying as I have been doing both along time and building is always challenging, whereas I can get bored farly quickly flying. I like to describe my interest in this hobby as 50% building, 30% B.S.ing with my flying buddies and 20% flying.

Building is fun, glad you are interested in this aspect of the hobby and I wish more were like you!