I agree with those who have said start on an acoustic, and practice with a metronome. Anything worth doing is worth doing well, right? Even if you only want to play with yourself for the pleasure of it (haha that came out really dirty
), you might as well get the technique and strength right from the start.
Squier strats are hit and miss... some play ok, others are a pain and no amount of set-up will get them intonated above the fifth fret. As you become more skilled, start looking at other guitars at a local retailer, and playing them. I predict you will upgrade within a year if you practice and play a lot.
Have fun! Music soothes the soul in a way nothing else can.