Great idea. One thing that helped me get started is by reading everything I could get my hands on that related to freelance writing.
Some good sites to learn about freelance writing:
http://www.absolutewrite.com/
http://www.writersweekly.com/
http://www.writersrow.com/
http://www.writingfordollars.com/
http://www.freelancewriting.com/
http://www.organizedwriter.com/
http://www.writergazette.com/
http://www.writefromhome.com/
http://www.writingcorner.com/
http://www.writing-world.com/
http://www.freelancewritingsuccess.com/
http://www.writersontherise.com/
There are hundreds of articles on these sites that give great information on everything from writing technique, to finding jobs, to how to apply to jobs, to what to do if someone doesn't pay for work you've done.