Houston is windy most of the time? You might be more successful with a .60 size trainer, less bounce in wind, easier to see and land. Hobbistar for example, doesn't have a flat bottom wing and has less dihedral, so it can resist crosswinds just a little bit better than most others.
I returned to the hobby in 2003 and had to start from scratch again, so I was buying second hand trainers locally, and jumped in with a buddy cord with patient helpful guys at the local field. It was a very economical start and saved myself hours of preparation time. You could locally see the quality of the plane in hand if you can start looking at the local RC club near you, and then you know that it flies with the CG adjusted and engine already broken in, seasoned and tuned, trimmed, etc. This approach to starting out can save you over 50% of the new cost, or even better. Something to consider, depending on your budget. Ordering from Towerhobbies.com is a good choice if you don't mind on the first order, you could spend $500.00 between .60 RTF trainer and a combo flight box (Master Caddy).

Personally, I still enjoy finding second hand planes rather than break open a kit and invest weeks into completing a plane myself. Those days for me are gone now that I have children. Kit built planes last longer than the "ARF" typically, if well built. That's a good rule to follow especially in a trainer that has to be tough holding together on those rough landings. ARF's require a lot of touch up to stay together, so keep that in mind. Simulators are also wise tools to invest in. Just don't rush into a hobby shop and not explore other options available. There is a good thread here on RCU with a lot of hobby shop horror stories revealed from the experiences of those posting them. Not all hobby shops are bad and not all are good either. I drive over 30 miles to find a good one where I live, passing two others to get to it. Hoge in Sebastian is a club member, has decades of experience, and is very friendly. He has the best intentions for all his customers, not just seeking a profit alone. I wouldn't dare waste my time at Hobby Town talking to a salesperson who never flew a plane or touched a radio, or Space Coast Hobbies which is just 5 miles away, due to their horrible service and attitude they show there. How ironic they are selling out. The stories could fill a book on that place, this hobby doesn't need that kind of black eye, if you were to walk into one like that for the very first time! You'll see great resources here and at your local AMA sanctioned club. Find an instructor and follow his advice.

RCU has a marketplace with many reliable and proven sellers of quality trainers and everything else. A good second hand RTF that can still break down its two piece wing and tail set, would resolve the down side of high shipping costs, and makes transporting even easier. Do your homework. Some hobby shops sell on consignment and they might have a good trainer hanging from the ceiling. Buying from a hobby shop shelf is only one of many options, and your available time and money are factors that determine your final decision.

Hope the accumulative suggestions here were helpful and not confusing.