Well there are several planes that you can choose from. I have flown the profile planes and just not the thing for me. So I can't give a good recomendation as far as profiles go. (i just prefer scale looking planes) $500 price range will be good for I very nicely set up 60 sized plane.
In order from best to least. (remeber these are planes I have flown before)
Extreme flight 58" extra
nitro models 63" extra 330
funtana 50x
Great planes performance series extra 300 ep/gp (still testing this one)
flighton edge 540

There are a few other planes I hear are good. but I have not flown them

Here are a two links to the threads to my top two picks

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7158735/tm.htm

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5299445/tm.htm

If you go with nitro models extra and use my set up it will be RTF minus TX for well under $500.
ANd this is an excellent plane to learn 3d with.