You can build, but it takes time and patients, and a some skill. Usually, (I won't get into the arguement that some will pose) new people will opt for an ARF because they go together fairly quickly, offer a sense of what it takes to build one (you can see the components as well as how they are put together), and, as I said, require less skill than a build kit would.

Now, with that said, a kit offers you the opportunity to see how they are really put together, make minor adjustments in the assembly process, make things straight and secure with the right glue (some arf manufacturers are terrible with what glue they use to put them together with), and you can cover it the way you wish.

It all depends on how much time and effort you want to put into your first aircraft. But, I would highly recommend a kit for at least your second plane. Build it with someone to help you out if you lack the skills.. you can learn quickly.

CGr.