I agree too with going with an ARF and kit building your second plane. As far as the LT-40 goes, you cant beat it. I flew a WINGO park flyer and learned the basics, then moved to a LT-40 ARF. I buddy boxed with an instructor and flew it around for ONE flight.
The next two flights I soloed. Of course some people learn faster than others, but if I can solo a big bird on my second flight in a glow plane, that HAS to say something about the plane.