Ceiling tile is by far the best surface to build on....The T-Pins will actually stick to the tile.

I have friends in construction and get me gently used (or new left over) 24x36 tiles. Just make sure they lay Perfectly FLAT.!!!! You'll end up throwing away a few, so get as many as you can.

For your first kit, don't skip de-bonder. Sometimes you may have to re-try alignments.....or just get your fingers un-stuck.!!!

Good luck, and may I just add that you should by alll means dive in.!!
Your discovering the best part of the Hobby.!!