well of course there is no absolute best beginner guitar because then it wouldnt be beginner it would be intermediate lol but it depends on what guitar your looking into acoustic or electric, if its an electric and you got $200-$400 buy a guitar and amp package perhaps a fender or epiphone, if its an acoustic try an ibanez or epiphone
i very much do prefer epiphone because they are widely known for being cheap yet excelent quality.

a have an a washburn and a johnson i traded in for 250$ and wondering what i should spend it on.

Musician’s friend is your best bet. Lots of promos and freebies too.

I am trying to buy a Fender Stratocaster.
Is it better if I get this at Best Buy for $199.99?
Or get it from Guitar World, Sam Ash, Guitar Center, etc.?
If there is a difference, please explain it to me.