Basically, heres what I think...It's all up to YOU. You know what your circumstances are and what you have to do. Use your head to figure out a good "hiding spot" or place or things you can use to hide your grow. For example maybe a computer desk with a blanket draped over it with your grow underneath or a closet or something. I myself have a discreet grow in my closet and it's going GREAT! You dont need to much if your growing a small amount like myself. A few things that you will need or would be good to have are:
-some CFL's 6500k veg and 2700k for flowering
-A timer i bought a nice easy to use digital timer at home depot for like 10 dollars. Very easy way to control your on/off time
-some tap water will work fine for water (just let it sit open for 24hr.s before use to purify it
-A good size pot and some decent soil (people say not miracle grow but its what I use and it worked wonders) To each their own if you even want to grow in soil...
-maybe an extension cord and unit with a bunch of sockets for your lights/timer, etc..
If you need any help ask me. Im not an experienced grower but my weed is doing just fine, so i'd give as much advice as I can. Also, You can do whatever you want..but if I could reccomend something it would be to run 24/0 lighting while your vegging your plant(s) and then 12/12 for flowering. hope this helps. Peace