I've been playing strictly accoustic for 3 years now and hope to get an electric soon. I think starting with an acoustic is the way to go and will ultimately make you a better overall guitar player, electric or accoustic.
With a budget of $200 to $250, I'd skip the electronics since the extra cost means you get a lower quality guitar. You can always add electronics to your accoustic latter if you want to. Getting someone who knows how to play shop with you is a good idea as is getting it from a shop with good customer service that can set up and service your guitar properly (avoid Axe-in-a-Box mega-chains).
Even though playability is going to be more important than sound initially, you can find a solid top guitar in your price range. Solid top means it is a solid layer of spruce or cedar instead of plywood so it sounds better and ages better. As mentioned above, Washburn makes a solid top in your price range as does Yamaha although I don't know how good they are. Takamine usually charges a bit more for solid tops but all their guitars usually are very playable, meaning set up well for easy playing out of the factory.
If you can afford a bit more or can find one used, the Godin guitar company out of Canada makes some excellent entry level guitars. Their brand names are Seagull, Norman, Art and Lutherie and Simon and Patrick. I have a Seagull and like it alot.
Good luck & have fun.