[yen223]

Are you currently working as a web developer? If you are, then you already know 70% of what needs to be done. You just need to go out and seek clients. If not, I highly recommend you build at least one website from scratch, if only to convince yourself that you can do it.

I don't know how vibrant the tech scene is in Pheonix - if it's big, then focus on meatspace marketing: print out a stack of contact cards, and start handing them out at meetups and networking sessions. Make sure people know that you're available for a job.

If Pheonix's tech scene isn't so great, fret not. Focus on online marketing: your Linkedin profile, portfolios, personal sites and such. Post your profile somewhere public: HN's monthly freelancer site has been good to me.

How much to charge? I don't know, start with $2000/project for a small project, just to dip your toes in the water. If it works out, continue to raise your rates until you stop getting new clients.

Don't worry about contracting and invoicing - for contracts I use Word, for invoices I use Excel. I can't comment on how freelance income is taxed in the US - you definitely should check on that.