I currently cant afford guitar lessons, so I was wondering what an experienced guitar teacher (students of or teachers themselves) could tell me what the best thing to do would be as a beginner? Arpeggios? Scales? Picking Exercises? Ect?
Open chords is the best place to start, then learn chord progressions (how to put them together).
If you can't afford a private guitar teacher, paid online lessons are awesome. check out http://www.guitarcoursesreview.net
they have full reviews of the top online guitar lessons.