RE: Is the Rookie a good first jet?
I think it is one of the best designs ever made, not only as a first one but like you said, as a advanced sport jet. Only thing you need is a experienced pilot for helping you setting it up, and for calling those first few flights. It handles a bit different than the straight wing jet trainers, but it also have benefits that the others doesn´t have.
However, if you don´t have somebody with experience with this plane in your area, it would be better to start with a Boomerang or any other straight wing jet.