For example, internet connected TV's with Netflix, Xbox for kids and those rainy days, and apple TV etc.  

Something that “POPS”, like they talk about in all fun house flipping shows on TV?

Large, flatscreen TV's are standard.  

That way you both gain experience in the business, learn creative ways to find lending, the pitfalls of REI (not like you see on the TV shows) and you can possibly have input on the layout of the property, which could be valuable selling point in the future. 

I can't speak much to her experience level, but I did find out later that she was actually a minor celebrity in the area and was featured on a national reality TV show (not one related to real estate, and I don't want to give away too many details).Also if it matters, I found out during the closing process (which took another 2+ months) that the people who ended up buying the house were investors.  

In all cases where real property has been heretofore, or shall be hereafter, sold on execution or in any mortgage foreclosure proceeding, the purchaser at such sale, or his successor or successors in interest, may during the year or years of redemption, in case of the expiration during such year of any insurance policy on the premises sold, pay the premium necessary to procure a renewal of such policy; and in case of any taxes or assessments being delinquent, or in case any installment of interest or principal upon any prior or superior mortgage shall be due or become due during such period of redemption, the purchaser may pay the same when or after due, and in all such cases, the amount so paid, with interest thereon, shall be and constitute a part of the sum necessary to be paid for the redemption from such sale.Disclaimer: I am not an attorney nor do I play one on TV.

I first got interested from watching shows on TV and had a passive interest in doing so.

Robert LaBrie , I thought it had changed but couldn't remember off the top of my head while watching tv, thanks for the correction.Kris Haskins , appraisal guidelines are getting a lot tougher.

Now I do a recorded webinar, so it's similar to the conference call concept but with a visual component so I can share photos of the project, charts, and data during the discussion so that viewers don't have to flip through printed material to keep up with the conversation.

disclaimer: I'm not an attorney, and I don't play one on TV.