I want to get an electric guitar but don't know where to start:

What determines a great one vs. a cheap one?

If I'm just practicing at home, can I use headphones instead of an amp?

I'm thinking of getting the POD in lieu of a bunch of pedals . . . thoughts?

I'm almost an intermediate acoustic guitar player; just got my membership here. Should I wait until I've played more, to know what I want?

I live in LA, so I've got access to whatever gear I want on Craigslist.