A few more comments:
A deer rifle is a poor shtf rifle; likewise, a shtf rifle is a poor deer rifle. Get an AR 15/sks/AK for a shtf rifle.
Lever guns can be difficult to use with a scope, because it can be hard to manipulate the hammer on a scoped gun. Dealing with the half-cock on a lever gun can be confusing (and possibly dangerous) for a beginner. You want a scope for deer hunting. A used 3-9x40 or a 2-8x36 with steel, low/medium-mount rings will be perfect in Nebraska.
I'd suggest a bolt-action rifle with a scope for a beginner. It'll be easier to use. And better in Nebraska, where deer terrain can vary from long-range shots across a field, to close up shots in the timber. A bolt gun is reliable and (in my experience) more accurate than a lever gun. Don't worry about a quick follow up shot that you'd get from a lever gun; if you miss with the first shot, you'll probably miss the second shot, too, regardless of the action of the gun. And that inclued semi-auto guns.
See if Step Dad has a rifle you can borrow. That's the least expensive option. That way, if you don't like hunting, you're not out a lot of money.
The .30-06, .270, and .308 all have better power and trajectory than the .30-30. The 06, .270, and .308 all recoil about the same. If you can't handle the recoil of a .30-06, then you won't do much (if any) better with the .270. All three calibers will absolutely flatten deer in Nebraska. .308 ammo can be harder to find in the smaller rural shops in Nebraska.
You must sight in the gun before you go hunting. You must practice a couple of time with it before you go hunting. When you get that first deer in the cross-hairs, you'll feel a rush like no other; your heart is going to be pounding, you'll be breathing hard, and that is the worst possible time to try and learn how the safety works, how the trigger breaks, etc.
Good luck!