I am learning how to read and started working on basic theory, but I am having trouble figuring out how to count notes once they are beamed together. In particular eighth and sixteenth notes. Is there any videos or tips that will help with this? By the way I am learning from the everything reading music book, a very old version of hal leonard guitar method, And pebbers videos.
Maybe I should get a basic percussion book and work through the exercises in there? I have always had timing/ strumming issues, but I have been using the metronome a lot and improving.

You count them the same as if they weren't linked together. An eighth note is an eighth note whether it is by itself or if it is connected to other eighth notes. Stick to Pebber's picking lessons w/ a metronome and if you're having timing issues elsewhere, use a metronome for as many exercises as possible.