I want to get my first road bike, but my starting budget is small.?

You already know that your budget is small. So is your knowledge about bicycles. A few tips isn't going to cut it, what you need to do is to roll up your sleeves and do some serious research. There are frequent questions on this forum asking about this bike and that bike on second hand sites. Most of them are either poor quality or overpriced. The good deals are snapped up quickly, long before you could post a question here and get a useful answer. So if you want to save money you have to teach yourself how to recognize a good deal when you see one and act quickly. You have to have patience, it isn't like buying new where you can just buy whatever you prefer. $200 will not buy you a new bike that is worth owning, you would have to triple that amount at least

Even a good used road bike cost more than $200. Even some of these on the link over $200 are crap.

http://www.randysrecycledcycles.com/collections/st...

"...but it's hard to tell what's crap and what is actually worth buying. Can anyone give me some tips?"

Take along a small magnet. If it sticks to the rim of the wheel - run away. Steel wheels. The bike won't stop well (if at all) in damp or rainy conditions. If it has some type of twist grip shifters - like those used on a GMC Denali - run away. If it has a rusty chain - run away. If the owner list the bike as "Vintage" or a "Classic", chances are 99.9% it's not - just old. This link may be helpful.

http://www.bicycling.com/beginners/bikes-gear/buy-...

Get a decent second hand road bike with a Reynolds frame, a 531 is a good choice and make sure it has 700C wheels. Older bikes can easily and cheaply be modernised with lighter alloy parts and components. 'Eighties and even 'nineties road bikes are totally dissed on this forum yet a sound one that's not too rusty and is mechanically sound with modern parts, tyres and tubes make for a very capable bike. For example got a scrap ladies bike with horrid 6 speed gears so converted it to a modern 18 speed and now absolutely flies! Look for Peugeot CAD frames as these are really good though that's a hybrid so you will need to fit drop 'bars, have done one with great results.

You need to keep saving $200 is low even for a used road bike.

A good used bike. On Craig's list. BUT you must know,what you are looking at.... If you don't know take a friend who really knows. If not don't go there....

Soccerref

You might find a basket case for that kind of cash, but that's about it. If you have the time and access to some hand tools, then that's probably your only option.

Wait until they go on sale in the fall and save money until then so you can spend more.

wait til yuo have $600