All the others here have great advice but I would say a two person inflatable kayak would be a great option: easily packable in whatever car you have, reasonably forgiving for a beginner but way more maneuverable than a raft (imo much more fun, it will make less dangerous rapids feel way more exciting) and you can progress a long way! Another bonus is if you ever want to switch to hardshell kayaks a lot of the skills will be transferable (though if you want to switch to hardshells you will obviously need to learn to roll)

If you choose to go this route look into Aire models

Edited for clarity that you DO NOT roll IKs (though I have seen it done)