Newbie looking for advice

I'm just getting started in the lawn care business. I have 3 sons, 2 of them of an age that they are enthusiastic about helping, and I'm doing this in addition to my full-time job. I have approximately $1500 to invest in equipment to start out with. I will be mowing a nature trail around our lake, our community area, and rights of way. All told, it's probably about 8 acres of mowing. What I would like to know is this:
1. What kind of mower is best for these needs?
2. Is it okay to buy from a Wal-Mart or SAM'S?
3. Is it worth it to consider buying used?
4. What is a good brand/model of trimmer to buy?

Gentlemen, I've been talking about doing this for years. I am know going to do it and intend on doing it for quite some time. I appreciate any advice that you can and will give me.

 

I have also just started in business this year. I got an ariens push mower combo mulcher with a bag and a murray push with a mulcher and a bagger I got these both for $100.00 from a coworker both fire up on the first pull every time. I going to buy a echo weed wacker, gas trimmer, weed eater depending on what part of the us you live in is what they call it. Alot of people like different things look around ask questions you will learn alot on this site. I have learned quite a few things from this site and I'm still learning

Ken

Good luck

 

$1500 is not much money to buy the size of mower you will need to mow 8 acres.
I would suggest finding some good used commercial equipment. You could buy homeowner grade equipment, but it will not last as long and won't do near as good of a job.

 

I am going at this business hard this year, and i invested about 15000 into it already. That includes a truck, brand new z turn mower, and a 33" walkbehind mower. 1500 isnt going to cut it I dont think.

Buy commercial equipment, which you can not get at sams or wal-mart.