I'm looking to start an FR campaign, probably using the RPGA materials. I will DM. Neither I or my players have read any FR fiction so our only materials will be the modules or source books.
OK, Where do we start?
The RPGA materials for the FR setting are great, I think you will have a lot of fun if you give it a try. To do this you are going to need to do the following:
- Get an RPGA Membership
- Read over the Basics of Character Creation
- Browse and select your adventures
- Order your adventures through the RPGA
Here are the (I feel) best ways you can get all of these:
1. You can find more about getting an RPGA membership at the RPGA FAQ, under question 2
community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...
2. The basics of character creation are covered in the following FAQ:
community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...
3. I think the best place to read about the adventures is at:
gamerclubhouse.com/Home.aspx
4. Ordering is covered in the FAQ under #1.
You can also try talking to the LFR people at a local convention. The best place to look up RPGA conventions is at warhorn.net
warhorn.net/main/
re-phrase: With no knowledge of the realms (no FR source book yet) what modules seem to be the best to start with (most flavor)
Local cons would be great, they are 7 hours away 
We all have DCI/RPGA numbers and access to the character builder
So what "sells" FR vs my own world?
With that, what sold me to this campaign setting is the high-fantasy, high-magic style. The richness of the many kingdoms such as Cormyr (much like medieval europe) and the deserts of Calimshan separate them from the more generic styles i've seen in other settings.
One thing that I also love is that it's not always inter-connected. When I got into D&D, i was first introducted to Dragon Lance. And while I love the story and setting for what it is, it doesn't compare to the vastness of FR. For example, events that happen in Waterdeep generally stay within that region. They don't branch out to the rest of the setting (unless you want them to as a DM).
In addition, the number of iconic places such as Icewind Dale, the Sword Coast, Baldur's Gate are great to play in and you can incorporte other sources into the setting (such as stuff from the video games that have featured the same areas).
I also love the amout of unique NPCs that you can meet and interact with. There's also iconic villians such as the Exarch Fzoul Chembryl (dedicated servant to Bane), Zass Tam (overlord of Thay and it's thousands of undead minions), and Spellplagued creatures.
Not to mention the setting still have the most deities of any other published setting too.
Also something to think about along with the vastness of the Forgotten Realms are almost doubled due to the Underdark which in the past two editions has been fleshed out beyond belief.
Also something to know is that there are plenty of character hooks, but there is enough untouched ground for a DM to have tons of play time and gray areas. You can have appearances from NPC's or you can completely leave them out. It is just a great setting for the high magic and every level adventurer to enjoy.
Also, to make it clear, I have been "around the block" a few times. I could fall back on my Judges Guild Materials (City State of the Invincible Overlord, Valley of the Ancients, etc). I was just hoping to take advantage of the RPGA/LFR materials availible for download.
I guess I just need to pick a region and start there.
The two main benefits are the portability and the designed encounters. I think you have the right idea since you don't need the portability aspect.