Actually the lower level spells are pretty easy to research.
If you do want to be a "spell researcher" I would start as soon as possible, that means hording any and every combine rune you can get your hands on. Most groups will be happy to let you have them all as they are only used for wizard researching and don't sell for much. You can also find the lower level ones easily on merchants, and they don't cost more than a couple plat.
I would start, though, by buying your first 21 research skill-ups from your GM (I think you can still buy them to 21???)
There are two paths to researching skill ups. Combining runes or doing the practice research. You can read more about them on EQtraders - the link Frak put up.
If you are dedicated and can keep your skill moving up you can research many of your hard to find higher level spells and even make some plat selling spells.
Good luck.
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