2wd will teach you throtle control, 4wd will not. Take our advice & start racing w/ a 2wd class. Here is a 19turn setup I would run.
radio-used airtronics m8 or futaba 3pk $80
servo-Hitec HS-965MG Ultra Speed HD Metal Gear Servo $70
radio//servo $150
used roller $100 (there is a good chance you can pick up a good one locally. Talk w/ the local track director about one.)
$20 tools
$30 spare parts
car//parts//tools $150
used high end brushed esc $30 cyclone/g-10/ect. there are lots of them.
19 turn motor $30
motor//esc $60
Then I'll leave the battery & charger combo up to you. You can probly find a local racer switching from nimhs to lipos & get a good deal on some good nimh packs & a charger. Stay away from any cells over 4200mah in capacity, they have a tendancy to blow up. You will need a battery for each heat & the main. Purchase the used stuff, & then purchase the new stuff from your lhs so that they will be willing to help you out w/ stuff.