Well my advice differs from some but I understand that you wish to be able to accompany yourself on some songs. First try to learn 3 basic chords as that is usually enough to do most folksongs. G,C,and D is what many people learn first. (key of G major) Practice with a song that you know well starting in G. When it no longer sounds right try changing to C. If that doesn't sound right change to D. Most songs will go G to C to D and back to G, or G to C to G to D to G or some similar progression. If the pitch in G is not right use a capo. If you capo the second fret and play the same G progression you will be in the key of A but still using the same three chord finger positions.
Keep it as simple as possible at the start and when you can get these three chord changes and can do your first song take a deep bow. You have just broken the first guitar frustratuion barrier! You can now start to learn and practice for the rest of your life but self-discouragement will be defeated!