I really would suggest getting a steel string and then working your way to a nylon if you so choose after you get the guitar basics down first. Either that or learning banjo then moving on to classical guitar. With classical guitar, both your hands are much more active and in the beginning, it will be very overwhelming for a new guitarist. It’s something to think about.
Now, when I get asked what guitar a beginner to check out, I always ask what kind of music the person is into. I’m guessing that if you’re looking at an acoustic or classical guitar, that you won’t be playing much speed metal. Therefore, I really recommend that you check out Squire’s SA100 model. Squire is a small (cheaper) sister company to Fender. They model their guitars off Fender’s models but they make them at a more affordable price. You can pick up a SA100 for about $100 and although the action is a little high (in my opinion), it has a great sound and makes for a great beginner guitar.
I was in a small local music shop back about 7 months ago and came across an acoustic that I had to buy after playing it. It’s an Oscar Schmidt OG2CE. I went in to buy some parts for my Les Paul and while I was waiting, I picked it up and started playing around on it. I’m assuming that nothing had been altered on it and if not, in my opinion, it’s one of the best “straight out of the box” guitars I’ve ever played. I own an Oscar Schmidt semi-hollow electric and it’s just mediocre but this model acoustic rivals some of the big name, high dollar acoustics I’ve played in my day. I think I gave $250 for it. It’s an acoustic/electric, it has a built in tuner but I never use it and it has a mahogany neck and spruce top. I’ve never owned a high dollar acoustic but I’ve played several and in my opinion, the OG2CE rivals names like Taylor, Takamine and Ovation.
Pawn shops are a great place to check out also. If you go looking at pawn shops, play every guitar they have and remember the ones that feel and sound well to you. Then do your homework on them and if the price is fair or better, than get it. Pretty simple.
Hope any of this help you find a guitar that’s right for you. Good luck in the hunt for your instrument as well as your learning!