i used kapok as my first guitar as well. it certainly does train up the finger strength and the ability to press the strings hard for a longer time, but there are quite a number of ppl who will quit half way because of using kapok.

the sound of kapok isnt all the great, though beginners might not be able to differentiate, but it does discourage them from practicing. the hard strings will prevent them to practice for a time longer than 30 minutes in a go since their fingers are not "seasoned" yet. this would probably last for 1 week...then the fingers would be as hard as dead skin...hahaha..literary.

anyway, if you have be money, i'd recomend you to go for a basic electronic guitar set. if you are on tight budget, i'd say yes to kapok.

as for learning, i used a chord book, those around rm3 ones that shows how to press most of the chords. and search for some simple songs from the net,[those using only C,Am,F,G,G7,D and A]. oh yea, by the way, i learn by myself as well.