There is a lot of good advice, but no one has mentioned cruising the kit builder forum, Q&A and tips forums. They have helped me out a lot on my first build.

I wish I had a club as close as you do. 30 miles is nothing if you are into the hobby. The nearest good hobby store is 214 miles and I still get there three times a year at least. The closest club is 120 miles.

I started with ARF’s, SPAD’s and I am just starting to cover my first kit build.

This is not a one airplane hobby