[probinso]

Although I haven't started a company, if you're actually going to start green and not be seeking venture capital or a position at an incubator, save up about a year's worth of expenses before you start. That seems to be the amount of runway it takes for somebody to decide whether they're going to get other types of traction

If you can do part-time work through a contract broker then that's probably in your best interest. Contract brokers are companies with business models like like toptal. The real hurdle is finding companies to apply with should be mitigated by the network you sign on to.