Getting into SAP

Hi,

I have recently been bitten by the SAP bug and now I want to adopt it as a fulltime profession. SAP will give me the business knowledge/expertise that I lack. I am a Software QA by profession. The other reason is huge bucks in this field. I am interested in the functional side. I would like to know:

Which SAP module I should focus on (having zero SAP knowledge).

Which module is Hot (as in highest paying)?

What are the rates associated with that module?

What is the latest version of that module?

Can one get free training in it? Is it worth doing?

How can one teach himself without having any SAP software to practice?

Where in bay area, california I can get affordable and very good training?

I have heard SAP HCM is the hottest of the hot. Can I just jump into HCM without doing other modules like (SD/MM/FICO) etc.?

Your response will be highly appreciated. If you would like to throw some additional words of wisdom, please don't hesitate.

Thanks

Asher Fawad