Seems like the type of work you do is probably not something (good paying) companies often hire freelancers to do (though I may be wrong). Seems like you would be better off working towards finding a job with a company that does what you enjoy (I assume game programming).
Also you might try breaking into the mobile game development world (iPhone, Android). Mobile app development is pretty fertile ground still and you can use your current skills to develop you own products and sell them easily. Even if the games you develop do not gain great success on their own they at least make great portfolio pieces and could help you get noticed and find better work in the future. Just a thought.
That's a really good idea. I wish I could afford the $100 to join the iPhone developer program. Alternatively, I wish I had an Android phone. I only have $850 of savings left.
If you want cheap Android devices go to your local Verizon store, talk to the rep in charge/manager and ask that they give you a call when they get in a phone that won't be going for warranty repair still functions but just has some issue or another (such as the battery falls out, who cares for dev!) and get it for bottom dollar.
Friend of mine has acquired about 30+ Android phones using this technique (some duplicates in an attempt to Frankenstein fully functional ones).
Worst case you get a no, best case you get a cheap Android phone for development. Droid X's are great (and compare well to the HTC Evo).
You could use the Android emulator for free at least at first. I know how it is to be low on funds but, spending the $99 on the iPhone developer program may be an investment worth making.
Also you might try breaking into the mobile game development world (iPhone, Android). Mobile app development is pretty fertile ground still and you can use your current skills to develop you own products and sell them easily. Even if the games you develop do not gain great success on their own they at least make great portfolio pieces and could help you get noticed and find better work in the future. Just a thought.