2 - you can still be picky if you're just starting out and are able to (i.e. rent/food/etc is covered). this helps you define a niche that you want to operate in. niches are important because it's easier to become known or stand out in small group of similar people or companies (instead of trying to stand out for EVERYONE).
to find gigs + build an audience, here are few other articles i've written: https://pjrvs.com/a/scratch https://pjrvs.com/a/audience
i've gone through about 3 niches in the 17 years i've freelanced (pro sports, valley startups, person-as-a-brand online entrepreneurs). each time it's taken about a year to reach critical mass (i.e. many more work offers than i have time for). each time i've been very focused on what i talked abut in original article here.
hope that helps!