If you take That advice...... you'll be a better modeler for it! Full stop.
Couple of things to look for.... decide what plane you would like to build. Then scour the Group Builds for one that has been entered. Then open the progression of that build and the brand of kit and any accessories will be listed in the opening post. Look thru the thread and you'll get a pretty good idea of the build in progress and what the builder did to get to his finished entry.
Personally, I worked on a Revel 1/32nd P-51B a long time ago. Even tho it is a very simple kit, there is so much opportunity for scratch building, if that is the direction you want to take. I would recommend a 1/32nd for any first attempt at scratch building. In this case, Size does matter. It doesn't have to be a 200 dollar kit.
You just need attention to the details and basics. Gluing without getting glue everywhere. Filling seams. Cleaning off the mold lines on All the parts. Careful masking. Even color coats. And like Paul says, it's not a race to the finish!
Asking always helps, just like you have.... hope this helps.