Dale, my suggestion would be to choose a focus since you can always expand your business offerings at a later date. If you choose desktop publishing, you actually have a lot of latitude in what you can offer.

Don't worry about any stigma regarding doing business from your home. It's commonplace and very acceptable.

You're right about clearing things with your landlord. As long as you keep the foot traffic to a minimum, he or she would probably be okay with it. It's the right thing to do, as you pointed it, and preferable to their finding out from someone else.

You might find that it's just as easy to meet with your clients elsewhere, though. Doing so could also offer your business more exposure without the cost of renting an office on a monthly basis.

Nancy
http://www.CreateYourMarket.com
Cheap Advertising Ideas for the Home-Based Entrepreneur