I am curious as to how this turned out? Did you manage to get out on your own yet or still working on it?
All the above are good points couple of my thoughts (Canadian based);

- legislative compliance. Any serious company requires it. Insurance (4 million+), WSIB, Health and Safety policies, WHMIS, Policies and Procedures manuals, etc.
- ^^ make sure any contractor/company you use has the same ^^
- Pick a goal. My goal is 6 billable hrs per day.
- hire an accountant, they will save you more than they cost.