Don't skimp too much on the price of an acoustic, I know its a go between until you get better but I really regret buying a dirt cheap one two weeks ago (they were sold out of fender, nggggh!!). Before going to a teacher you may as well go through the basics as well, it'll save you some time, it's what I'm doing, there seems to be a stage when you have to keep bashing until your fingers harder up (my index and middle are rock hard, my pinkie is made of jelly), which you may as well get through yourself before seeking tutition. Steel stringed acoustics seem to be the most brutal which is what mine is, although I'm giving in already and buying an electric when I get paid in 2 weeks :)