Finding an affordable home based business opportunity doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many MLM opportunities out there and quite a few directories that can help to point you in the right direction.There are four basic things that you should assess before embarking on your MLM adventure. With so many different opportunities out there, it is easy to become overwhelmed. The evaluation process is broken down here so that you can determine if a particular MLM opportunity is right for you. Then you can start your home based business and know that the program you are getting into is legitimate and a good fit for you as well as your pocketbook.InterestOnce you decide to start out your own MLM home based business, the first thing that you need to do is determine the one that is right for you. Take an inventory of your interests. Then go to a directory like the one at Home Business Magazine (homebusinessmag.com) and take a look at the affordable home based business opportunities that they have listed.You can search by business category (business services, ecommerce, professional services, self improvement, etc.) as well as by start up investment. There is also an advanced search that will help you find just the right opportunity for you.Skill and Knowledge FitOnce you have found an affordable home based business opportunity that is a good interest fit, you need to assess your knowledge and skills. Think about what you know and identify the skills that you have. Where do you see them fitting in with your business opportunity? If you are very health conscious and know a great deal about that topic, you may want to get into a business that deals with that type of product. Find an area where your own skills and knowledge are a good fit and run with it.Start Up CostsStart up investment costs for MLM business opportunities come in all dollar amounts. The key is to identify your own start up budget, establish a ceiling on how much you will spend and stick with it. If you want to pay a minimal investment price for your home based business, your options may be somewhat limited. This does not mean that it is impossible, just know that it may be a little more difficult to find a good opportunity if you are not willing to shell out at least a few bucks for start up.LegitimacyOf course, before you invest in any business opportunity, you want to make sure that it is legitimate. The Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) grades businesses. You can visit their website and look up the business you want to check out to see that company’s grade. You can also Google the company’s name to see what kind of buzz they are getting on the internet.Read the entries on the first few pages of your search return to see what is being said, but pay attention to who is behind the websites. Some companies will create websites that act as review sites to promote their own company. That way, you not only find an affordable home based business opportunity, but a legitimate one as well.Pay attention to these four evaluation criteria and be on your way to a lucrative home MLM business.