Establishing myself as a consultant?

I currently work with a construction management firm and would like to branch off and represent myself. i work as a consultant managing construction projects amongst many other things and would like the opportunity to bill my own rate instead of having my company take a huge percentage. What do I need to start my own firm? Good credit? A business license? Also, do I need to rent office space as well? Or can I use my home address as an office? Please help. Thanks all.

First, you can work from your home. I'm a successful consultant, and have worked from my home for several years. I have a post office box at a local UPS Store that makes things look official.

Second, you don't need credit at all.

Third, you should incorporate (LLC or S-Corporation would be my recommendations).

Fourth, for legal purposes, get a local (city or county) business license. Not required, but it's easy.

You can register your corporation and get a local business license from the same place ... go to your state's official website and click the BUSINESS link. But, to register your business you'll need a federal EIN. You can get this (free) online at: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/arti...

Make sure you have a name for your business before you do all of the. Creating a corporation and getting a local business license will cost about $100 each.

Also, make sure you have a fax number. You can get a free fax number at: www.k7.net (it's a Seattle-based number). This is for incoming faxes. You can send outgoing faxes using Windows VISTA (versions Business or Ultimate) and a regular phone line.