Go gas. You can buy good 50cc engines now for 350.00-400.00 bucks. You won't touch a big nitro for that and they burn way more of the expensive fuel. Even if you end up with a 1.20 size plane, put a 26cc +/- gas in it. I have already been shipped the new DL-55 and will very soon be ordering the Aeroworks 260 to put in. Just kind of going at it a little at time, as money becomes available. Do yourself a favor and check out the Aeroworks planes and get as big as you can. The bigger they are, the better they fly! (as long as it's the right plane).

Good luck with your plans.