The first thing to do is to get your self comfortable with basic strumming, neck gripping, holding pick proper way. I think you can do this within a week. If you are already comfortable with the guitar, you can become one with it (not meaning to ahem it), and you can learn chords easily after that.

Learn simple straight forward songs like Nirvana or Green Day (which most people play for a starter). Then you can go with simple string picking songs like intros from Metallica or something.

You can find very cheap kapok less than RM100... who cares if it's cheapo.

A Kapok is a machine for you to strengthen your fingers.It's not a guitar.XD
Well actually,I started with a Kapok,and it has definitely strengthen my fingers. But if you have the budget,invest on a Yamaha.

What music are you interested on?

You're right mate, it boils down to the mind: what do u intend to get out of this ability of playing guitar? (Mcm superhero pulak )

Start with something affordable but decent. Its amazing what can be had for 150 bucks these days if u dig and bargain hard enough. Strangely enough, some affordable guitars can actually play and sound really really well - I have a kurap acoustic J.d. that beats the socks off of pricey Washburn/Yamaha/Ovation/Takamine anytime (but maybe im being biased here hehehe).

Believe me, as u grow musically, motivation goes down the drain when u pick up a kapok. And motivation is a very important thing when ur starting out. from past experience I've observed that the 1st 2 months will make or break a budding guitarist. Make it sumthing affordable that feels well - if u cant figure it on ur own get a 2nd opinion. Bring a friend to the shop - he can help with the haggling anyway. keep it within reach so u dont have to go through the trouble of opening the gig bag or going downstairs just to play it. Hang out with friends who play, listen to them talk shop, pick up a thing or two, or at least get jealous of their abilities. Emotion is a wonderful motivator, it worked for me at least. Youtube is a great resource but nothing beats having a live human being telling and showing stuff to u.