RE: Can I get away with a low wing?
If I was starting all over again and know what I know now I wouldn't waste my money on a high wing trainer. The wind has a tendency to push the high wing planes around where it wants to. A low winger goes where you point it.
I'd have me a goldberg tiger 60 with an O.S. 91 FX on it. That planes practically flys itself and will land on a dime. The bigger they are the easier they are to fly.
Good Luck