1) Most people agree that $40,000 a year is barely 'minimum wage' when it comes to programming of any sort.
2) Recruiters are always bugging them.
3) Right now is the 'hot market' for developers.
So what's a developer to do if they are making 'minimum wage' in the programmer's Bull Market? How does one get so lucky to have the problem of people calling them up for better jobs?
I didn't think that my resume was all that special having worked for DC area government contractors my whole career, but everyone was super excited to talk to me and I went to second or third interviews for 11 of the 13 places I spoke with.
So...update your LinkedIn profile and give a lot of data. Get a github account (honestly, I had basically nothing there and still don't, but it's a good thing to be able to point too), and try and get active in some local development groups/message boards/newsgroups.
Good luck!
Edit: I'm not a recruiter, but I'd be happy to take a look at your LI/A.me pages if you decide to set them up and give you feedback.
I would set up an about.me page and link to your LI. Link out from LI to your about.me. Start blogging if you think you can fit it in. Even if it's filled with entries about what you learned/did/achieved/figured out that day or week. The more technical the better.
And, as was mentioned in another comment: You're close to a hot spot already. Close is stretching it considering the drive from IE to Santa Monica, but, do it anyway. Do it on a Saturday. Go to Coloft in the morning, get a day pass, and work on something. Take breaks and meet others. Not sure what to break the ice with? Try something like "Hey, so is coloft always this energetic (/vibrant/quiet/boring/lively/productive/whatever)". Ask what they're working on. Listen. They'll ask you the same.
Don't let yourself make up excuses. You're close enough to a really hot market where companies are climbing over each other for talent. If you want it, make it happen.
Aside from the above: Do you have friends in the biz? Referrals are the best way to real jobs, IMHO. Do you respond to the monthly posts here on HN where people are seeking expertise? Where are you located?
EDIT: To answer your question: You get recruited by being good. You also need to be visible. Create value and you will be found!
Edit: For reference, here is a little weekend iPhone project I just started - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF1KcbNjZ7Y
I looked at your iPhone app (via YouTube). Why is this not released yet? What's holding it up? It's a basic app, but it demonstrates you can write an iPhone app - and that market is REALLY hot, EVERYWHERE. You should be able to get remote gigs as a contractor pretty easily. Your best bet is to release it and then promote yourself. Release it and then post back here that you released it. You'll get good feedback (like: left align the categories, right align the totals, or something like that).
You really do have a lot of opportunity all around you. I was a bit insensitive in my prior post. For all I know you CAN'T get out of the house. Shame on me for that. If you need help, let me know. I will not hold your hand and give you every single detail, but I will provide enough info or suggestions to get you moving in the right direction so that you can get in front of the opportunities if you're willing and able.
The iPhone app is close to being done, but I feel like it's missing a few things to be a true MVP (ability to export data). It's honestly just been a weekend project (<10 hours), that I made to help my wife and some of her friends. Sounds like I need to get it up ASAP though, if for no other reason than a resume builder that shows ability.
Appreciate all the feedback. It's hard learning in a vacuum, and it can be refreshing to get a fresh perspective.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/follow-my-money/id471808412?l...
You are at a bit of a disadvantage in that employers who require ass-in-seat time will necessitate driving the hell that is known as the 91. Perhaps you should consider making the short move toward the coast. Not all the way, bit a tad closer couldn't hurt.
As for your skillset, your preferred web stack has a high impedance mismatch from what we use, but we're always happy to talk to smart people. Contact info is in my profile.
Edit: If you're even mildly competent in the things you listed on your HN profile then you'd be one of the top 10 candidates I've interviewed in the past couple years for "PHP developer" positions.
As for actually getting better offers, online social media is great, but also try going to local user groups, conventions, and the like. A person can better judge you than a keyword search engine can.
I don't know that any employers ever looked at the source code. But publishing the source probably helps because they can see what your programming is like right from the start.
Be awesome.