Joe, that sure looks like a U-CAN-DO. 400 magic beans is a bunch of bucks for someone just testing the waters.
When I was learning pattern I was taught straight and level first thing then the big loop and slow roll and the 1/2 Cuban or emmelman for a turn around. Everything you do will have to start out straight and level so that was the first thing. Pretty much everything in any stunt flying contains the loop and roll so I have spent a lot of time trying to perfect those. Without much luck!!