Print gu-rus ... help please :)

Back story:

I am thinking of starting my own small business out of home to make some extra money while I'm in graphic design school. I don't know much about professional printing, so I'm asking for help on a few forums I frequent. :)

I'm good at image manipulation, so I thought I could create invitations, cards, and announcements from client's photographs. It was actually my sister's idea. A neighbor of hers used a similar service to create birth announcements of her son and my sister found out who did them for her:

http://www.chouettedesign.com/

They're very nice, but I think I could do better.

I was reluctant about the idea because what little savings I have is for when Rob and I buy our first house. I was even more skeptical when Steph said she thought that Mom would be willing to invest. My mom is the LAST person on earth I would ever ask to borrow money from because in the past she has always said no. I love her for that because it's forced me to grow up and figure out some pretty touch situations on my own.

As it turns out, Steph's hunch was correct. My mom said she's proud of me for going back to school and pursuing something that I love. She's been telling me my whole life that I have potential, but this is the first time I've ever been serious about doing something with it, so she is willing to help me get a business started if I intend to stick with it. :heart Moms are great. :love

So anyhow, money to buy a professional printer, scanner, paper cutter, software and supplies isn't an issue.

NOW ............... what to buy?

I don't know very much about professional printing services beyond the basics of output resolution and color, etc. I emailed the designer of Chouette, told her I was a graphic design student and asked her if she would answer a few questions about her business.