What would I need and know to start an avocado tree from a fresh avocado pit?

My mom used to do this all of the time. You will need 4 tooth picks that you will puncture into the sides of the avocado about 2/3 the way up the avocado. Top is the fat end, bottom is the small end. Place the picks so that they are arrange in 4ths around the avocado. Then place in a shallow container so as the water does not rise above where you place the picks., change and add water daily ( so as not to sour) Keep in a sunny windowsill until roots begin forming, They will look like tiny little hairs. Re pot in a bigger pot along with some root shock ( you can buy this at any nursery) and keep wet, not soggy but wet. They like their roots wet, but not soggy. You will plant the entire avocado under the soil. Place again in a well sunlit area, and keep warm. Within 3 weeks you should see the stock coming up. Once the avocado becomes root bound transplant to a bigger pot.

Color me red...the person below me is right about which side is up....Thank you for correcting me, otherwise it would never have sprouted. :)

The other person is spot on, but the wide end of the pit is the bottom, the tapered end is the top.

Avocado plants can be started in soil or water. Pits started in soil produce a much more durable and long lasting plant. Before starting the plant, soak the pit overnight in water. If you intend to start the plant in soil, pot it, large end down, in a large clay pot in light sandy soil. The pit should be placed about one-half inch below the soil surface