The first thing, do you have a longarm and do you have experience using it, and using it well? They are not the same as a DSM by any means. Unless you are planning to use a DSM, same questions: can you quilt well with it? Do you have cash reserves for time (6 months ) to build a client base? Do you have room (square footage) to devote to client quilts? Not to overwhelm you, but these are basics IMHO you need to strongly consider first and foremost. MQX will be in Kansas City in May, I believe, and there are oodles of classes to take, but they may already be filled. Is there a market for another quilter in your area?
Also, and this is also very important, do you have passion and heart for quilting?
This is just a teenie tiny list of things to consider. I'm sure others will also respond.