:arrowE: Items: In the advanced game, there are three ways that you can start the game with an item: playing as the Bugbears, having the Courageous trait, and having the Cunning trait. However, these only let you start the game with one item reserved (not constructed). You still have to construct the item later, at which time you will score its listed point value.
:arrowE: Goons: In the advanced game, there are three ways that you can start the game with one or more goons: playing as the Goblins, having the Focused trait, and having the Selfish trait. You do get to use their special effects (e.g., getting rid of suspicion). The note at the bottom of the ADVANCED SETUP section on page 16 makes this clear: "If a player receives a goon card as a starting bonus, they also immediately gain any special effect and/or valuable shown on that goon card."
:arrowE: Goons: In the advanced game, there are three ways that you can start the game with one or more goons: playing as the Goblins, having the Focused trait, and having the Selfish trait. You do get to use their special effects (e.g., getting rid of suspicion). The note at the bottom of the ADVANCED SETUP section on page 16 makes this clear: "If a player receives a goon card as a starting bonus, they also immediately gain any special effect and/or valuable shown on that goon card."