@Smokeydope Not that I’m an expert, but these things helped me:

Find a teacher that has similar musical interests as you.

Always practice with a beat. It’s annoying as hell for a while, but it pays off!

Reward yourself while practicing by trying to learn a song you like between practicing scales and boring stuff like that. You did work, you get to play a little!

Learn the note names on the neck, or at least all the ones on the 6 and 5 strings.

Meet musicians at open mic jams!

@Artichuth Absolutely! I buy Squiers as project guitars all the time. As long as the neck feels good, and you’re willing to figure out your mods and wiring, its worth every penny.