RE: Second and 3rd plane.
I used a kit built 4*40 as my second plane and I was really nervous about the maiden as well. I also did not want to crash it at all. The maiden went find and now after flying a ton, it has some repair marks where the landing gear block has been glued back on as well as some other stuff. If you are worried about crashing, then you wont have any fun. Just fly the plane and make sure you do everything you can to avoid the most damage if something does go wrong. Crashes and repair is a part of this hobby, whether you want it to be or not. I vote to just fly the airplane when you think you are ready after flying your trainer for a while. Buying a plane just to crash is just nonsense, especially if money is tight.
The 4* is a very good second plane after running with your trainer for a while. No need for something in between.