I'm new to guitar myself. In a nutshell, my advice is to try lots of different guitars to see what is comfortable. I was toying with different steel string guitars trying to learn fingerstyle guitar but encountered three challenges:
(1) the standard string spacing and standard fretboard width were so narrow relative to uke that I could not seem to fret cleanly;
(2) the guitar felt so huge, like I was holding a baby elephant compared to my tenor ukes; and,
(3) the strings were hard on my fingers and hard to fret.
The first guitar that made me feel like I might be able to get comfortable was a Blackbird Savoy. Its compact body solved (2) and it was strung with a lower-ish tension string set which helped on (3). If it was available with a wider fretboard and string spacing I would definitely have one.
But as I still struggled with (1), I tried some guitars with wider fretboard and string spacing. Eventually I bought a Martin 0-28VS which was the first guitar I really felt good on. I re-strung it with silk and steel strings that helped with (3). I really started to feel like eventually I might be able play some guitar so was motivated to stick with it. Now I know that prefer body size 00 or smaller, wider string spacing (2 5/16 or 2 3/8), wider fretboards ( 1 7/8) and lower tension strings (now moved up to using silk & bronze 49/11).
I just reluctantly re-homed by 0-28VS as I had commissioned a Wilborn Lion (between a 0 and 00) that arrived. He's an amazing builder who is noted for his ability to build smaller bodied guitars that deliver big sound.
Here is Ben introducing my build:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1nD920zWzY
And here is my guitar teacher taking it for a spin:
https://youtu.be/8e669WrUi5Y
And if anyone is looking for a gateway guitar, I will have this Larrivee Parlor with Zebrano body wood (P-03Z) for sale for $1K net to me. Link to photos below. It has less than 30 minutes play time and is mint. I paid about $1,500. I love its 24" scale and killer tone but wanted a wider string spacing and fretboard, so Larrivee is making one for me. When I pick that one up in a few weeks, I'll also have this one back and will find it a new home. It's been at their shop because originally we were going to just replace the bridge before we decided to just build a new one.
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmsBrUiK