I did the same thing this summer and am putting the finishing touches on my first project, the 1:48 DML/Dragon Fokker DR.1. The kit was fairly simple with a few photo-etched parts for the machine gun jackets and interior. There was not much rigging, so it was a good starter project. A friend taught me how to build jigs out of styrofoam packing blocks (the stuff electronic components are packaged in). It helps keep things aligned during construction. I'm eyeballing the Fokker E.8 at the present time. It has little rigging to terrorize a beginner. Some of the newer Eduard kits look good. And there may be a few less expensive
Hobbycraft kits available.
It's an interesting period and lots of color can be used. A pleasant diversion from the modern greens and greys.