Quite brutally honest there Christopher, I hope I can do the same, with no offence of course. I know how hard it can be to really dig in, I am a lazy bones, until I’m not, then I nuckle under lol.
Welcome to the group by the way. 
So…To be honest, DO YOU WANT TO PLAY GUITAR. !? IF, this is a resounding yes, suggestion is.
Don’t go looking for that better approach.
EVERYTHING you need is here. ! and no need to ask the question
No pain no gain as the saying goes, theres plenty of other places online to teach guitar but I would say use them as additional sources but, this is by far the best. !
Look at the premium course for strumming, it’s fantastic. !
It will solve this for sure.
I hate posting about myself but, i’m 58 and been playing only 5 month and the strumming course for 3 months. I managed to play a 16th strumming pattern even though I cannot count it in my head yet. in the beginner safe space Here.
Everyone should have a musical instrument in their lives, knuckle under ok. 
Rachel.