Hell, back when I was in High School, more than 30 years ago the parts were expensive,and difficult to find...not to mention complicated to build for a beginner.
Dont be afraid to go the kit route, especially in RF circuits...a well designed PCB does wonders for stability,and specs.
You will still learn as much by building a Kit, without the aggrivation.
My first receiver was a Radio Shack Shortwave P-Box kit....regenerative....so it was a TON of fun to tune.
https://www.google.ca/images?hl=en&...itle&resnum=4&ved=0CDgQsAQwAw&biw=783&bih=363