Ask HN: ReactJS or Native for chat app MVP? Beginner programmer

I would like to learn programming through building a side project. It's a location based chat app that requires profile creation, google maps, and posting threads. I was hoping you could help answer a few questions:

1. For a beginner who only knows HTML/CSS, will React be too much to handle?

2. Should I go ReactJS > build web page MVP > convert to an app later, or start straight with React Native?

3. What resources you would recommend for learning either?

Thanks!