Where do I start getting real gigs?

Hello, new to the forum. Joined so I could learn new things and talk with other people with the same interests. After spending some time on dvs in the bedroom, I think im ready to start getting real gigs. Question is, im not sure how to start. How did you guys get your foot in the door? Taking free gigs until i can make a name for myself? Im only 18, so that should be taken into consideration. Besides my dvs setup, what other equipment would i need? (lights, etc) Thank you for the help. :)