Question

Am I allowed to have two or more ob_start(); in my php files if so what is the proper way to end one ob_start(); and start another?

Answer 1

From the manual:

Output buffers are stackable, that is,
you may call ob_start() while another
ob_start() is active. Just make sure
that you call ob_end_flush() the
appropriate number of times. If
multiple output callback functions are
active, output is being filtered
sequentially through each of them in
nesting order.

In addition to stacking (nesting), you can have separate blocks in sequence.

<?
ob_start();
echo "Foo";
ob_end_flush(); // outputs buffer contents and turns off output buffering

ob_start();
echo "Bar";
ob_end_flush();
?>