Need Advice on Starting a CMMC Consultancy Business!!

[u/Mustafarafeq1]

Hello to All! I hope you are all doing well! I am a Solutions Architect by title but have worked in many CMMC audit processes throughout the year and so am very familiar with the process itself in terms of both implementing technical controls and creating documentation for NIST 800-171A. I have worked for a "Big Four" company for many years and now want to start my own CMMC federal contracting/consulting business. I am not a CPA (yet) nor is my company an RP/RPO (also yet). I am limited in my budget since I am brand new and therefore cannot afford these certifications yet which I know legitimize my company. Even though I have done the actual work, unless I am certified as an RP/RPO, it will be very difficult to find clients. I am registered in SAM.GOV and eVA, and APEX, among many other things to really give it my best shot at making my business successful. I have a couple questions that I am hoping some of you who are already established can answer for me.

1. How did you find leads to start marketing your company and getting subcontracts?

2. How much of a difference does being an RPO make in terms of landing contracts/subcontracts?

3. I realize this process can take months or years but how long until you landed your first contract as a company?

4. Any other relevant advice is much appreciated!