WELCOME to RC flying!

My son didn't want the BASIC TRAINER look either so here is what we did and it should be well within your skill levels but dad and gramps can still "help"

Kit bash (make some minor changes) to a LT 40. Use only about 1/2 the recommended dihedral( optional for better inverted later). Make it a tail dragger. Use plastic gear. (Tail draggers are easier to add floats or skis to) Change the tail shape to a shape you like. DO NOT CHANGE the total area of those surfaces.. a little extra rudder would be ok. Here is a pic of mine.

OH YEAH and pick a cool cover scheme!!
I also forgot to mention it has a bunch of LEDs for night flying.[8D]

THE LT 40 is about average on price but above average on quality and they can be acrobatic with the CG moved back some. Do a search here on RCU for LT40 and read up on it. The LT 40 really is a fine bird IMHO. DO drop the bucks for a good motor though.. you have some nitro car motors I gather so you already know how yucky the cheap ones are. Go for at least a 45 2cycle or comparable 4cycle. OS 45 2cycle is my recomendation...or swipe one from your Dad!