If you are a beginner, especially if you are self teaching, go with something as large as possible, at least 3 feet wingspan. Next criteria is high wing, large dihedral, and rubber band constructuction. I taught myself using a 6 foot wingspan glider, and after I got the hang of handling it while just gliding, I strapped a motor pod on the wing. That's the easy way. The hard way is buying small plastic models, and smashing them on the first flight. Buy a big glider. After you learn that, get a big trainer, again something with a high wing, large dihedral, and rubber bands, but something that is capable of inverted flight. For me this was a 0.40 powered Goldberg Eagle, which has about a 4' wingspan IIRC. Find a modern version of that, in foam, with electric engine - but keep that big wingspan. It's what makes it easier to fly. The mistake most new people make is buying small aircraft. They fly like rocks.