One more thing to consider about learning with a large model:
Student pilots get a lot of Prop Strikes from not so good takeoffs & landings, and the big props for big engines cost a heck of a lot more than the trainer props for .40 size planes. Its one thing to grab a handful of 10x6 $3 props for quick replacements at the field, its another thing altogether to grab a handful of $12-$15 big engine props

When you are putting together you first plane,
remember that it is to teach you how to fly, not to look super awesome.
Dont go for a Mustang or even a Texan, get a high wing cub/cesna looking thing with plenty of dihedral... something that wants to keep flying by itself. The great folks in the SPAD area can help with building a simple, inexpensive, durable, trainer plane for this engine

Also, dont underestimate the value of computer flight sims.
Even the ones that are not "RC" external view like MS FlightSimulator teach you the core concepts of flying, like the relationship of Pitch Power Speed & Altitude. Get a lot of crashing out of your system on the computer before you risk crashing your actual model