I don't do the actual printing, just the copy. But I do have paper samples which I print copy on to help the client choose a good stock. Kinko's is a place that reproduces a lot of stock well, except business cards, which I suggest a printer or a place that sends them to a printer. A professional printer should do all high gloss papers and photos. Just make sure you mark up according to your time, shop around for the best deal and special discounts.
Creativity really plays a part in advertising to keep cost down.
Super Market billboards, neighborhood papers, small business organizations, your Chamber of Commerece, universities, and colleges, to name a few. The web site I gave has many jobs that you bid on for free lance work. Equipment is a must, but you don't need the biggest or the best to start out. I have a new compter with Microsoft Millennium, world, excel, home publishing, power point, and office 2000. Eventually I will purchase a fax, but in the meantime the two I have in my computer are fine.