RE: Aerobatic setup
Look out for a model that requires as little coupling as possible.
I use rudder mixing for K/E and leave it switched on all the time but it's not an exact science.
Different air speeds will require a different setting and when you give full rudder for K/E loops there will always be too much mixing so it's always a compromise. Use five point mixers if you have them available to you.
Best of luck.