Maybe this should be in the Q&A section of the forum?

When I reach the point that I can consider buying stocks I could do with understanding a few things before I decide to buy any.

1) If I buy a bunch of stocks (but less than the amount that give the bonuses/perks - like the free FHCs, lawyer business cards or properties or w/e) do I get any return on that investment just by owning the stocks? Or do I only get a return if I sell those stocks for less than I paid for them?

2) If I do eventually buy enough stocks in one group to be entitled to the perks described above, does buying more stocks in that group give me more frequent or better perks from that group?

Any other factors that are not clear to stock noobs like myself that anyone may wish to share (no pun intended) with me also greatly appreciated. Thanks.