Gold Basics Question

I don't like the paper gold and silver.Its obviously being manipulated....

I don't know where I can buy actual gold and take posession of it. Are these radio commercials about buying gold the real deal?

I would feel better going to a "store". If I went to a store, are they charging a transaction fee? If so, how much is fair typically? I dont want to buy an ounce for $1300 and be unable to sell it for the same amount obviously...

How do I know the purity of the gold & silver I am buying?

At the same time, I feel lame suggesting such things as I am used to trading stocks online.

Can anyone offer insight without abusing me too much? :)