My vote is the Super Cub LP from Hobby Zone. It's only $179. It has only 3 channels (throttle, elevator, rudder), and it takes a beating. Replacement parts are cheap and plentiful and it flys great. Super easy take-off and landings. I fly mine inverted for days. inside and outside loops. Put the larger prop on and has power to spare. Batteries are cheap. Totally out performs J3's of the same size. Flying a high-wing plane first is a must. The flight characteristics of a low wing plane is not good for beginning.
I started off with the Super Cub LP first, then on to the T-28 Trojan, Then the 5 channel P-51 from nitroplanes and now I'm flying a Hyperion Extra 260 ARF.
Start with the LP. I've trained several beginners with this plane and they all had great experiences.
Mark