I found a recruiter that specializes in freelance/contract work in the tech industry. They negotiated my rate for me (which was 30% hire than what I was asking) and got me a very nice long-term contract (going on 7 years now).

They subcontracted me out for a year (and paid full benefits like health insurance) and after a year I started billing the company directly. I even found out what they were charging the company, reduced it by around 25% and still gave my self a 25% raise.