Please Point me in the right direction...

1. Ok, so i have a degree in IT, but basically have zero software/website development skills. I am extremely interested in getting started in website development (small business) first, then eventually expanding out to other types of development. Being a freelance web developer sounds appealing to me, so with this in mind where should i start?

2. Also, what are thoughts on Serifs product WebPlus x4 for a beginner to get started with a few sites?? is it possible to be a freelance web developer that uses this to create their sites, or all websites hand coded, because i was told that the days of hand coding an entire site are coming to an end??

3. Like i said i am completely in the dark on where to begin and how to attack this, all i know is that i have desire beyond belief to get this going....also can one expect to make freelance website development a well paying career, or is it in many ways better to get with a company??

thank you in advance...