Well, actually, i got my 2nd profession as leatherworker (1st is achemy) and i can tell u, farm the mats is easy, recipes aren't that costy, u only buy them once. In case you are doing epics, i would recommend using the pot of inspiration to reach it faster/cheaper. Get a friend that has alchy as profession (of course, of proper level), u can trade him something of what u could craft, or just buy it from him/her.
But yes there is other ways to make money: Goblinball, time void, astral hunt, astral rides, skirmishes... for most of this except skirmishes that imply pvp, u don't need good runes so don't worry, i am full lvl 3 runes with surveyors rep gear and i can do fine xD
