Start 101 - new feed for web site

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I am a Broker building a website. The local board referred me to this Forum to ask questions. Very basic questions.

1) The IDX feed. Is this a Json format, rest API, is there any documentation about this? (I called Black NIghts, and they do not have anyone to talk about this. Called Local Board, and they tell me to use this forum).

2) RETS client. In the FAQ, we have a broken link about the vendors.

3) Do I need a vendor? Can I develop my own site?

Thank you so much!