Like anything else, it depends…
Brand names and types are one way to look at buying your first guitar. Another is to pay less attention to brand and price and more to playability and comfort.
A nylon-stringed classical style guitar is easier to play and therefore easier to learn on. The tone of the nylon strings is softer and lacks the sustain of a steel-stringed acoustic. Steel strings are tougher on the finger tips at first, but that will become a non issue.
The most important thing is the "action." That's the height of the strings above the finger board. A "high" action is harder to play because the strings must be pushed harder to the finger board. A too "low" action can cause the strings to buzz when played.
A nice larger full sounding style comes from a dreadnought guitar or a jumbo size instrument. My only concern about a new player and a dred or jumbo is that it can be tough to sit and play a large bodied guitar. The big bodied guitars can be played sitting, but if a new players gets uncomfortable while learning, they tend to quit. An orchestra model guitar is a good compromise.
I wouldn't recommend buying your first instrument on line. I've done it, but then I've been playing for almost 40 years. I wouldn't recommend a big store like a Guitar Center either. You can get good buying advice there, but odds are you'll get some garage band kid who could steer you wrong.
If you've got a small music instrument store in your area or one that deals with pro musicians, you'll get better advice. and possibly service.
While it can be overwhelming, guitar shopping can become a lot of fun itself. You'll learn something and that could make your shopping all the more interesting.
Have fun and enjoy!
Oh yeah. Your used strings will come in very handy in your model building!