RE: 4 Star building question
I don't know about the Twist. I went from a trainer to a Goldberg Tiger 60, then later on a Sig Four Star 40. I also had a Goldberg Skylark 56 in the middle there some where, but that was a big mistake and I paid the price for that mistake.
Now, several years later, I can see what I did wrong and know that I have the capabilities to fly just about whatever I want to fly, but that was then and this is now.
I can recommend something like the Tiger 60 OR the Four Star 40/60 aircraft because I've flown them and know what they can do and how they can be 'dialed down'. I had someone maiden both the Tiger and the Four * for me back then, as you plan on doing. This is a good thing. You can also ask for a few flights on the buddy box to help coordinate yourself to the plane and get used to the difference from that low wing'er and the high-wing trainer, and there are some real differences, of course.
So, your choices are fine, and your decisions are sound.
Build them straight and power them correctly. Don't over-control with to much throw in your control surfaces, and you will do just fine. You can dial in more throw as you get used to the way the plane flys.
CGr.