Welcome to the forums! Like most things, you will get out what you put in. There is a wealth of information here as well as good conversation.
As for trading pipes, you need to have a post count of 100 and been a member for 3 (?) no the before you can post in the classifieds.
Welcome aboard from central North Carolina ... though I grew up in your part of the country, Chicagoland, Midwest anyway. Lots of good expertise, information, opinion, and commentary on here, and occasional guff.