What was the reason for wanting to play the guitar? Have any friends that play even some? That would be the best start in my opinion. Private Lessons are very expensive when you're just starting out. It takes time building hand strength, form and dexterity to play something descent. This can be learned from a $10.00 chord book. I do suggest learning and playing the complete structure of something, for instance Barre Chords, not just their partial versions like Power Chords. When Barre Chords are played correctly, it builds strength in all fingers, a must if you really want to play music on guitar. Another is try memorizing the fret numbers and different notes on the neck, like 3rd string(G), 2nd fret = A.
Even crazy phrases work when starting out, like this one used for the notes of each open string: Low to high = EADGBE. Phrase goes: Elephants And Donkeys Got Big Ears. Well, I guess they do.
Use the $ on lessons if some value is gained from it and at your own pace.