I get it. I live in the U.S. but in a more rural community on the east coast, and even to find a tech company is at least an hour away. So I didn't have an easy way to network within a tech focused community either at first, but I would make the drive/flight to the larger cities to do that.
However, what I found was that there were still a ton of companies doing things I never imagined near me. They weren't name brand tech companies, or even tech companies but because of the nature of software/hardware it was easy to find people who needed more than a website designed. Also, networking locally led me to other contacts people had out of the area that were more the type of work I ideally wanted.
My point being, don't discount your local area even if it is more rural or not "techy", you would be amazed at the contacts people have that are a good way to get started.
As far as doing it solely online, it isn't impossible, but it is a major disadvantage and requires a larger effort. Being in a niche area of tech would help, being known for something would be best, if you have neither than I'd suggest you start with building your brand (you). e.g. start a blog (or be super active online in places), gain some credibility while you have a job than use that to help you find opportunities. This is a slower process, but if you combine it with networking locally you might be able to find decent work in a reasonable time.
Also, depending on your Country and cost of living, you might be able to use Upwork or similar sites to gain some experience doing independent projects and a fair wage for you. In the U.S. freelancers cannot compete with the low cost of living in other Countries that lets developers bid such low amounts for work on those sites, but for you it might work out.
However, what I found was that there were still a ton of companies doing things I never imagined near me. They weren't name brand tech companies, or even tech companies but because of the nature of software/hardware it was easy to find people who needed more than a website designed. Also, networking locally led me to other contacts people had out of the area that were more the type of work I ideally wanted.
My point being, don't discount your local area even if it is more rural or not "techy", you would be amazed at the contacts people have that are a good way to get started.
As far as doing it solely online, it isn't impossible, but it is a major disadvantage and requires a larger effort. Being in a niche area of tech would help, being known for something would be best, if you have neither than I'd suggest you start with building your brand (you). e.g. start a blog (or be super active online in places), gain some credibility while you have a job than use that to help you find opportunities. This is a slower process, but if you combine it with networking locally you might be able to find decent work in a reasonable time.
Also, depending on your Country and cost of living, you might be able to use Upwork or similar sites to gain some experience doing independent projects and a fair wage for you. In the U.S. freelancers cannot compete with the low cost of living in other Countries that lets developers bid such low amounts for work on those sites, but for you it might work out.