CA laws with private contracting?

Im interested in breaking into side work doing Residential and Commercial Irrigation repairs and new installs. I already have a 9-5 job doing Commercial irrigation work. I also currently do side work underneath a guy with his C-27. Id like to collect the entire check for myself rather then get paid hourly while the boss just shows up and bids the job and makes all the money.I hear that $500 or less and you arent required to have your C-27 License. If your currently in the bussiness id love to hear from you. Any legal info is much appreciated. Im having trouble nailing down the specifics of this type of works legal requirements.