Real MODELERS are builders.
I like ARFs occasionally as well. You have gotten a good bit of good advise so far. You Might consider a mix. Get a cheap ^bay arf UGLY STICK and go through it well. (They do NEED to gone over well) Sticks are super simple and fly great. Free plans for the original Ugly Stick and many other versions are always around. It has to be one of THE EASIEST scratch builds anywhere IMHO.
using the trainer parts for your next plane is possible as well. Parts from a 40 size trainer (motor mounts, Landing gear, wheels even control rods and horns can be recycled to another 40ish sized plane. INPSECT things like control horns WELL first. Motor and radio too of course. You could cut all the wood for a scratch stick in one night then you basically have a kit.