RE: Kit Building
As others have mentioned , start off with something simple . Even the less complicated builds , take a long time from start to finish. A 4* .40 , kit built , without an engine or radio gear will run about $200 . It will cost 10 times that , or more to build a P.61 . I recommend practicing on something cheaper to began with.
There is a big difference between building plastic models ,and building an airframe that will stand up to the rigors of R.C flying. But your modeling skills will be an asset to you . By building an entry level plane , you will learn a lot ,in which glues to use , covering , fuel proofing , types of would , etc .