RE: What's a good plane to start pattern with?
A Super Tigre .75 would be less expensive and just as powerful.
Maybe look at an Excelleron 50 with a .61 or .75 engine. $150 for the plane and less than $100 for a ST .61/.75. Some folks equate 'pattern plane' with strict competition. Doesn't have to be that way in the beginning. Lower classes, like you'll be flying at first, don't require huge expenditures to enjoy or even win.
Terry in LP