Buying an ARF (almost ready to fly)may be the best bet for your first airplane while learning to fly. Some ARF trainers can be had for well under $100 (minus the engine and radio gear of course). You won't have a huge invesment in a plane that will likely take a beating. As you are learning to fly then try building a kit or two. Once you have a few under your belt there are things like building from plans, trying your own designs and so on.

There will likely be a few popular trainer airplanes in the club you pick. Most of the flyers will be familiar with them and able to help you get them going.