The inexpensive starter planes with brushed motors and NiMH battery power systems that I've seen fly well are HobbyZone planes. The HobbyZone Super Cub is one of the more popular RTF electric trainers. The HobbyZone Aerobird 3 and Firebird Phantom both fly pretty well too.

Other than those planes, I'd pretty much stick with brushless and LiPo power systems. You will get great performance with brushless/LiPo power setups due to the greater power to weight ratio of those systems. Brushless motors are 2-3 times more efficient than brushed motors, and LiPo batteries have a much greater power density (mAh capacity per ounce in weight). Those power systems cost a bit more, but they are virtually maintenance free, and the boost in performance is well worth it IMO.