in response to the original question. I think you can do this. But, it's a ton of work, long days (cuz you'll lose the weekends to new work), and some really great times and some godawful times.
But, it gives you a huge advantage if times get tough (you get laid off, work goes to heck, you hate work, whatever), you've been building your business for years. You already have customers and you can go full time if you want/need to.
But, I don't think there's any way to make any money as a middleman. Esp. today, the whole business world is all about taking out the middleman. Why do I need you if i can hire Joe X for less? And you'll have to pay Joe X the going wage, which means for you to make money you'll have to charge more, and there is no difference between me hiring Joe X and you. You'll have to do hte work yourself. But know also that there are things that you can't do, or are worth having done by someone else, because in the end they can do it faster and better and your time is better spent doing something else.
Find your skills, what makes you happy, and what you are good at. And start doing side jobs. Cash is a nice way to start a business with no employees. (shhhhhhhhhh
), Many many smaller places will open wholesale accounts for individuals, and just let you pay tax to them. And start doing the work.
But you're going to learn a couple lessons.
You are going to go through a long learning process on how to bid jobs. And the only lessons that stick with you are the painful ones. (i still remember painting a house for less than a buck an hour after it was done, ugh)
Take your best estimate, double it, and add 20% and you are in teh ballpark.
People hate to buy jobs time and material, so that route is probably out.
You'll have to learn the lesson of your time is worth more than that. not every job is profitable or worth having. If people can do it cheaper than you, than so be it, they know what their time is worth. If EVERYONE can do it cheaper than you, you are in the wrong business.
You need something to set yourself apart. Quallity, low price, service, whatever. But if you are just one of the joe's, it's going to be a long tough road.
Been doing side work for 20 years now off and on. (landscaping, and I"m really good at it). The sad part is that it's more satifying than regular work (software), but it doesn't pay as well. But it helps and it's fun.
oh, no money in guns, look how cheap this whole board is.
Good luck