I would like to start up in a very modest way a finance brokering business. I have the technical skills necessary to run such a business but am at a bit of a loss for a niche to target in what seems, even after a cursory glance, to be a very competitive market. Can anyone please suggest possible avenues to consider?

Also, where would I start to investigate the marketplace, for example to establish the viability of such an operation?

Any assistance would be very welcome!