Tommy, I assume when you say that you're "just starting out" you mean that you were labouring for someone to gain experience and after learning the trade you've decided to start up on your own? If this is the case and money isn't the overriding issue at the moment, I would suggest that you accept as many jobs as you can to gain more experience. In time, you'll be able to command a better price but it all depends on how consistent your work is. Remember one thing:
"It takes years to build up your reputation, but you can lose it in a instant"
Always work to the best of your ability. For example, if you happen to meet a builder who gives you work, ensure that your work is always good, otherwise, he will lose faith in you and will become relunctant to use you in future.
For advertising, simply print out some leaflets and go leaflet dropping. Target your local area first and as you gain more experience, start dropping leaflets in the more affluent areas. If you have any independent shops that are related to refurbishment ie kitchen fitters, go in and introduce yourself and ask whether you can leave leaflets with them.
When you buy your first van, don't go for glamour. Go for something cheap and reliable: an old transit with a 100,000 miles plus on the clock is ideal. Don't be concerned with minor dents and scratches: your only concern is that it gets you from A to B and B to A again, day in day out. When you become more established and begin to make more money, you can then splash out on a nice van.
Keep whatever savings you have and spent it wisely because work might be really slow at the beginning and you'll need that money to cover any down periods.
