so what does it take to start a pawn shop?

I hope you're not trying this but I am and it's frustrating.  You need these (not in this order)

• a wife that completely believes in you....really
  
• money, cash not credit, and lots of it
• a building, here is mine Big Tim's Pawn 
• licenses.....Pawnbrokers license, occupational and if you want to deal in firearms a federal firearms license
• pawnbrokers insurance
• safes
• security system
• displays and shelves
• software
• employees
• did I mention cash?
• membership to the state and national associations
• be completely insane....check