Instead of native species, it would be good advice to beginners to use species that do well in their area. Which is what the more experienced people keep telling us!
Use something that you don't have to fight with.... learn about how to keep your trees alive and thriving.
It's no fun to work on a tree that dies in a few years because your climate is at the limit of it's survival spectrum. It's also no fun to work on a species that doesn't respond well to your work because you don't understand it's specific needs.
Joanie