Bud8 -
First ask for a Profit and Loss Statement and show it to a good CPA. Ask to see all relevant financial reports in detail, in fact - receivables, payables, any long-term liabilities you might be assuming, etc. If they hem and haw, tell 'em thanks anyway.
Then ask yourself if you want the stress and long hours of owning a small business. My wife and I have had our own small business for almost 20 years now and I can tell ya that at times it's not exactly a trip to the beach. Trust me when I tell ya that in many cases you're a lot better off being one of the Indians than the chief. In my case I just got sick of working for a$$holes although I gotta admit I did have a coupla smart businessmen for bosses who I emulated and it helped my own business. I figured if I gotta work for an a$$hole it might as well be me.
If everything looks kosher then go ahead, but be sure to get a lawyer and incorporate the business as a sub-S corporation. It limits your personal liability and also has tax advantages, both of which are extremely important.
If everything looks good, God bless ya, man and best of luck. You may not get wealthy but there is a great feeling of independence and self-reliance. Just don't go off all starry-eyed without preparing yourself for the challenge - kinda like hitting the rocks during a big swell just sure tonite's the nite for that 50 and forgetting your Korkers.
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