RE: prop vs jet
[link=http://www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com/rc-ducted-fan-jets.html]Here is some info[/link] on the difference between electric and gas ducted fan jets.
I would recommend getting a park flyer such as the cub that Chuck mentioned.
Hobby zone offers a great variety of planes for a beginner. You can find a summary of what HobbyZone has available [link=http://www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com/hobby-zone-rc.html]here.[/link].