You couldn't go wrong at that price. Go ahead and maiden it without the cowl. Install the cowl after you get the kinks worked out.
It's a hassle to pull the cowl on and off.

In light of what you said about the wing, I suspect it is a "clipped wing". That's ok, they still fly great.

YOu are headed down the right path. You will have that Saito humming soon. Just don't get in a hurry. Check everything twice.

Practice taxiing and , get comfortable with that and then fly. I always have my instructor give my planes a final check before their
initial "maiden" flight. Most of the time I let them fly it first and trim it and then I buddy box until I am comfortable.

Saves planes, that way.

Good luck, keep us posted.