RV-9 vs Jabiru for Aussie builder (newbie)

Hi Lads,

I'd like to build my own aircraft while I learn to fly. A friend has
recently bought a secondhand Jabiru 160 (is getting a new 230c) and
has 150 hours up on a Recreational licence.

Although I would love to build a Falco or even one of these
(www.spitfireaircraftco.com), I think the choice is going to be more
about ease of flying, reliability, ease of construction (quality of
support), and value.

Unlike my friend (older, wealthy businessman) I don't have a big chunk
of change to get a whole kit up front. So the Vans presents a better
path for me to buy parts of the kit as I can afford it (tail here,
wing there etc). It would be cheaper to buy the Jabiru kit in
comparason to a whole Vans kit, but since I can't do it in one go it
is a problem.

Another path for savings is to use a Jabiru engine in an RV-9 (they
have a kit for it) instead of the Lycoming. Apart from buying a local
product, the Jabiru is a LOT cheaper and eventhough not as powerful
(as the biggest Lycoming suitable for a RV-9) it will probably meet my
needs. Opinions?

Any other suggestions or ideas? (other aircraft?)
A Fisher Tiger Moth R80 or RS80 might be fun, but open cockpit might
put off the passengers!

Aircraft type:
I would need a beginner friendly aircraft capable of being used as a
Recreational aircraft in Australia. I can work in any material (wood,
composite or aluminium) but prefer a proven and well backed up design
(for eg the CAD work on the Vans meaning holes line up etc).
Powerplant should be proven in aircraft usage and widespread (I don't
want to get involved in frigging about with car engines etc eventhough
it has been successfully done).

Thanks for your assistance.

Jonny (long time lurker, first time poster)