hey Big M check this website out. If you really want to learn 3D on a budget you can look at these electronics.
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...&ParentCat=192
for BL motor/ESC combo
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...ec_Micro_Servo
for servos
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s..._20C_Lipo_pack
for lipo

I have put together a great planes flatouts foamie
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...outs&search=Go
with these exact products or less than $100 and it will do any 3D maneuver I ask of it.
Hope this helps.