Own Without Operating?

Hey everyone, I'm new here. Enjoying all the reading. Lot's of good info here and have learned a lot.

Quick Question: I have a full-time job that I'm happy with. I have some money ($25,000) to invest. I'm considering starting a company, buying a truck, getting all setup, and hiring a driver. From what I'm learning on this forum, with all costs considered, and paying a driver, it's possible to run approx 100,000 miles a year, for approx $200,000 in revenue, and possibly come out with $10,000 - $20,000 "profit" if all goes well.

Obviously, if I didn't have another job this wouldn't work because nobody can live on $10,000 a year. But I love the industry (I used to pull doubles in the midwest about 12 years ago), and I have a lot of sales and accounting background so I'd be good at the paperwork side of the business to keep the driver out there running. And wouldn't mind jumping in the truck from time-to-time.

The downside I see is the high-risk. The upfront investment, a loan to pay the bills while the checks are coming in, and running a $200k/year business for $10,000 profit may not be good return on investment. Seems like one accident, or a bad driver, or repairs on an old truck, or tight margins if I have to use brokers too often, could sink the ship.

I'd really appreciate any advice or tips from everyone. Like "Go for it as long as you ______", or "Don't do it unless you ______". Or "Run away while you can". haha.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Thanks. The $25k would be for some start up costs and truck payments, etc. I would buy/lease the truck and trailer and have payments.