[nsp]

If you know html css and a little bit of php, build websites for small businesses. Get decent at wordpress(basically how to install and edit themes) and knock on doors of restaurants/hair salons/retail stores that have shitty/no websites and offer your services. Do the first couple for free and boom you have a portfolio.

Obviously, there's a big difference between a static site and web app, and full time employers will know that. However, people hiring freelancers won't, so you'll get asked to build dynamic stuff that's relatively simple like an appointment manager and be able to add depth to your portfolio.

My email is in my profile - I'm a self taught programmer who now works full time in the field (though I admittedly had some advantages you don't), feel free to get in touch if you have any other questions. (Obviously goes for others as well)