Starting a lawn and landscape business with no money?

[raptor1bravo]

This is my first post, I have been studying this site for a couple weeks now. I have to say it is full of great advice and tips!
I've been a union carpenter here in Michigan for over 14 years but have been in construction sense I was a kid. My dad owned a construction company and I always worked on the weekends and the summers wile I was in school.
I only worked about 6 months total last year and it doesn't look any better for this year.
So, I am thinking about starting a landscape business as a side deal at first then seeing how it grows. I just filed for bankruptcy last fall because of too much debt (my fault) and not enough work to keep up with the payments so I don't want to get any kind of loans to start up with. I will start off advertising bush hogging and spring clean ups. I live in a semi rural area with plenty of subdivisions and farms/acreage. so I hope I can mow some fields.
I have a 1949 Ford 8N with a 5' Bush hog, a 6' flail mower, a landscape box, and a dirt scoop. I hope to put money away to buy a used mower and hopefully a plow for my 2002 F250. I know the tractor is old but it is what I have right now.
I registered a name (Thomas Outdoor Services) at the county and will go legit with the state and Uncle Sam. I plan on putting up some signs at intersections and do some opportunity door knocking. Of course I will get some business cards also.
So, am I crazy? I wish I could start up with some money but things are way too tight at home these days!
Also, I am a Veteran with a disability so I can get help from the VA for starting a business so, I will be talking to them this week.
I would welcome any advice to point me in the right direction!
Thanks!
Steve

[bohiaa]

this is 1 business where you CAN start with nothing.
most of us did,

I used my old craftsman push mower electric weed wacker, and a push broom.
NOT very pretty is it?

BUT from day 1 you will be making money.

[beargins]

Hey raptor1bravo,

Check out this youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/user/lawncare.../6/4sbl-6sCOf8 , that guy also has about 180 other videos with tips on starting up, managing your business and also good books to read on how to be a successful business owner. I'm trying to get started right now, and currently saving to get my mower and trailer. After that I'm going to hit the grass in my zip code part time. Think positive, but also be realistic, be optimistic, I'm in Oklahoma city, so theres tons of residents who will be willing to let me cut their grass for a small fee. Sounds like your in a better situation that me, since you already have some equipment.

[Assuredlandscape]

Alot of ppl on here started out using a push mower broom and homeowner trimmer (Hint I did) a year later i made more then enough to buy equipment. Got great deals on my trailer and both my 36" wb, trimmers and blowers All togther I paid 1,100 dollars for all of my things i have today. If you work hard and dont mind sweating your ass off using a 21then you will in no time see money coming in and find yourself with profit and more things. GOODLUCK.

[turf&snow98]

I dunno bud, don't forget the saying " it takes money to make money "

[SangerLawn]

This is how I got started. Give it a read http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.p...+Encouragement

[raptor1bravo]

Thanks for the inspiration! I think I am going to be starting out the same as you. I think it will be at least a year before I start making any real money but at least I wont be bogged down with payments.

Steve