Please Clarify Something. . . by "getting started in the magic biz" does this mean you are new to magic altogether or you are simply taking the next step? If it is the latter, how familiar are you with the basics such as Slight of Hand (that huge stumbling block most try to get around)? How much have you studied Improvisational and Bar Magic type materials (there are videos on these specialties)?
As if all this weren't sufficient to weigh, we need to look at your age and personality type. If you aren't a confident self-motivated smooth-talker that's comfortable with schmoozing total strangers and getting them to laugh at themselves WITH you and the audience, you WILL fail. . . at least that's the case if you are busking. The other side of this issue is however, age. I know that dozens are going to argue otherwise, but age really does matter when it comes to how you are perceived by the public and thus, what they will allow you to get away with; if you are in your mid teens you won't be as forgiven for certain kinds of bits & patter as you would if you were in your mid 20's and so on. This issue works in the opposite direction too, a man my age (early 50's) can't get away with the sexual innuendos as easy as someone in their 20s & 30's without coming off as a dirty old man. . . while that can be played in a comical manner, there remain limits and a point in which one crosses the line when it comes to good taste and cooth.
Contrary to most, I would not suggest investing too much time into learning Card Tricks. This is a personal pet-peeve in that far too many magicians seem to think there is nothing else in this big industry but playing cards and worse, they refuse to realized just how boorish card tricks can get if that's all you do. Secondly, if you are working out of doors there's this thing called wind that can make working with cards, post cards, photos, etc. a royal pain. So grab a copy of Bobo and learn all you can about coin work as well as routines such as the cups & balls, chop cup, pea & shell as well as "parlor"/small stage material like the Linking Rings (the comedy 3 Ring Routine of Whit Hayden fame will slay a busking audience, it's down-right nuts and one of the best gags you'll find); Rope Magic is a good path to take as well. If you want to go "bigger" there are some very simple "Illusionette" type bits available that can give you that all so sought after Plays Big/Packs Small advantage. . . as in most of these things can fit in a gym bag small, but it will require some looking around and imagination. . . and a seamstress.
With the (safe) assumption that you are pure novice, I'd have to say your best bet is to not dream about making any spare cash for a while, there's far too much for you to learn as part of your first year or two of actual study & practice and that's before you move into the elements of actual showmanship & theater.
