I need to jump in somewhere to get my foot in the door.

If it's a retail operation, park outside and get a look at the foot traffic. 

It's my understanding from the folks that I've talked to, most people won't put in the foot work for bird dogging so to speak.

Put your foot down.

Do I live in a 5000 sq foot house?

I own a couple rentals in Oklahoma City, currently have four leases, and I’m already wanting to throw my small 3 foot high filing cabinet I bought at Walmart in a burning garbage can...including all contents.  

I've got an approximately 500 sq foot deck that is in the location that would work well for addition, it is around 4 foot above grade, on a valley side of a roof.

I'm just trying to get my foot in the door, so I figured knocking on all doors I can think of will be the approach for now.

Figure $25-$35 a square foot for rennovations.

Pulling an owners permits you can expect to be in the $175 to $200 per sq foot range.