How to break into comics industry and making some money being freelance artists.

It looks like everyone agrees that it takes a lot of blooming hard work to get into this business and much persistence. Also self publishing is a really good way to go.
Everyone who wants to get into comics is most likely want to be a penciller for the big man like Marvel, DC, to DarkHorse, WildStrom, TopCow, etc. It's really tough to meet the right people at the right time. And most of the time, doesn't really matter how good you really are. If there is no spot avaliable it will never happen for you.

The best way, back in the day, I found is to go to ComicCon in San Diego to get portfoilo review by editors from Mervel and DC. They will give you real feedback, but it could be really rough because they have to do it for the whole even about eight hours a day looking at many of the same crappy art. Art is a life long learning process. If you think you know it all and that you’re the best artist in the world, then you’ll soon find that your ego has cost you opportunities and any possibility of being hired for a long period of time.

Once you past the editor review process, the editor will give you a contact then you will still have to send 3-5 pages sample base on the test script they gave you to them. Then, with some luck and persistance, you will get some spot to fill in pages here and there.
*Why do I know this? cuz 6 years ago I almost become a penciller for Marvel, if not because of an opportunity at ArenaNet. The editor that I met was super cool and super nice, Mr. CB, don't know if he will even remember me now*

Anyway, my advice would be if you have time and money to pursue to be a penciller, go ahead. It will take timing and many component to complete the task.
If you want to make some real money doing art and not have to wait too long in line, apply or submit for the COLORIST jobs. The ratio is low and chances are, if you are good enough, you will get the job right away.
Don't underestimate by the title....one of the best artists and concept artists around nowadays were colorists. Udon, Liquid, and my friend Jaime Jones (who is now being the best among the best concept artists of this decade kicking ass at Bungie Games.)
My point is GET YOUR FOOT in the door, and the other door will open for you!!!
Well, my first start in the game industry is a small prop artist/texture artist then I did creatures with Doug Williams, then now I am a character concept artist/3d.
Everyone has to start somewhere and accumulate experience, but more importantly, we all have to pay bills and make a living somehow.

One great advantage of being a colorist I found is that, you will get to work with Photoshop all the time and that will make you know your way around Photoshop. Then when you have free time you will just do your own illustrations, concept, doodle, etc and market yourself around any art communities, forums (I wil talk about this in extend version next time around.)

So here are some place that you can submit your work, but carefully read their guideline.
Test yourself and don't be discourage if there is no answer, keep knocking on the door. And make sure you knock on multiple doors, not just one. :)

-Dark Horse Comics Colorist submission guideline.
-Top Cow comics Submission guideline.

For DC and Marvel you will have to catch them at the big Comics Convention nowadays (NYC or San Diego)
-DC (You will have to catch them at event) Submission Guideline
-Marvel has now posted the following on their submissions page:
Due to an unprecedented number of unsolicited art and writing submissions, Marvel has altered its open submissions policy effective immediately. Marvel has remained the only major publisher to continue accepting open submissions, however that practice has been halted as we review our strategies for accepting future submissions.

Or you can look at the independent opportunities here at
Digital Webbing help and wanted

Zuda Online Comics Submission (it is a branch of DC comics)

All in all, comics medium or print medium is a dying breed (IMO). I am writing this and I thought...wait a bunch of BIG name newspaper, magazine and many many more print media just went out of business in 2008 and 2009. And hint #2 a DC and Marvel doesn't even accept submission no longer.
WHAT am I thinking suggesting you guys to get into print industry?
This post is pretty much,
Well, I guess in any industries that are overly competitive, JUST get your foot in the door first!

I will have to wait and see how the comics industry prevail or transform into something (More superheroes Movies and Video Games as in the present) in the future.