M.J.
I am a freelance writer and editor, but I got into it through my existing professional contacts after many years in the profession. I work part-time, but my kids have always been in daycare or school while I work. This isn't the type of work that can be done while kids are at home (at least, not without a nanny there). You need solid blocks of quiet work time.
If you don't want to pay for childcare, your best bets are the party sales type of jobs that can be worked around your schedule. I couldn't tell you the pay, but they may be worth investigating due to the flexibility.
Good luck!