Beginner Needs Some Advice from The Pros

Hi All,

I'm a newbie at web application design. I have a whole 1 project under my belt - a PHP/MySQL web application that allowed users to register for my client's event. I used Dreamweaver 8 and embedded a PHP email script in the pages that sent mail to the users confirming their input. Overall, the project was a success.

My questions for the pros out there are:
1. How does a newbie like me land freelance gigs while I'm still learning? Or, am I better off studying up on PHP, maybe another scripting language, and then trying to market my skills?
2. Speaking of scripting languages - I see alot of gigs out there for PHP/MySQL. Do you recommend learning ASP.net in addition to PHP, in order to be more versatile in the services one can provide?
3. Tools - What should a newbie's tool box look like for designing web applications? I have DW8 already. What other tools should I invest in? Would it be beneficial to set up my home computer as a testing server? Can this be done on Win XP Media Center? vs. buying an inexpensive hosting account with a trusted service?

I know these are "beefy" questions. However, I thank you in advance for all your input. Hope you have a great weekend!!