price gives you a clue
What kind of music do you want to play? Cheaper name brand is usually a safe way to go and gives you some resale value. Most any strat will work, and the made in Mexico ones can be quite good instrument.
Generally easier to get a cheap electric that plays easy/well than a cheap acoustic.
Figure out a price range, what kind of music, acoustic or electric, and go from there. Buying used it is very helpful if you have a friend that knows guitars who can come check them out.