Hi,
I would seriously consider trying the Firefly. The wobbly prop gives one less thing to worry about,the side by side seating is good for training, the a/c is easy to fly, and there is all round excellent visibility. The slight downside is that the big wings do show mistakes, but if you get it right, it's showcase stuff.
As Javelin said, Tom Cassells is your man for this! I am a notoriously timid pilot, but he and his assistant Dennis managed to train me to win a Beginners contest, and to be able to compete at Standard without disgracing myself. (No zeros and staying in the box, and not coming last wasn't bad for a first attempt!). I can't afford to put too much money through the engine and practice as much as some, but it's still good fun.
I'm not sure of the virtue of doing an AOPA course - once you have flown your first contest, that 'tick-in-the-box' doesn't seem relevant anymore!
Hope to see you at Bagby sometime!