If you want to build a trainer from a kit, two good kits are Great Planes PT-40 or SIG LT-40. Both are good kit building trainers that teach you how to build kits as well as they teach you how to fly RC. I have built the PT40 and if I had to do it over again, I would build the SIG. The SIG LT-40 is a better looking and better flying plane in my opinion.

Another option you might consider if you really have your heart set on building that elder (and seeing what you do for a living I can see why the elder would appeal to you) is to buy an ARF trainer like a Tower Trainer and be learning to fly while you are building the elder. That way by the time you are done building it, you will also be ready to fly it!

Get a good simulator for your computer, join a club, and work a little with an instructor and you should be good to go. Nice hangar by the way.