My serious suggestion: Tower is selling off Lanier kits right now. Buy several, and take some time glueing, cutting, sanding and covering. Once done, outfit with radio and servos, engines and props. Fly the wings off them. They will give you invaluable training while having fun. Get some Top Flight kits, and work with them, read the Warbirds forums and talk with those guys. You will know when you are ready then. I am still working on a P-47 from last year. The last few months have been really slow as I have broken my foot, and can't make it to the shop to work on it.... doesn't stop me from making plans.
Good luck....