For the first guitar, to learn the basic, I'd look for something on Sale for less than $300 at Guitar Center, or look around in pawn shops for deals. I'd spend a year or so learning the basic chord, strums, and scales. I definitely believe it helps to have a resource such as Guitar Tricks guide you through the learning process.

Once you've got some basics down, and want to branch out and play with other people, then I'd start looking around at Guitar shops. The most important thing is having an instrument to play. Spend time doing it. Be able to pick up an instrument and play, even if it's an instrument you bought for $10 at a garage sale.