Everyone is saying go with Van

Yes, it is worth flatbed or reefer. Everyone has a van, so unless yours has a liftgate or something, you'll be fighting with everyone else for the same loads...

 

Lots of ways, but mainly by offering services that others won't:

Going to places others won't (NYC).
Running extra-legal hos (sure I'll put my team right on that)
driver load/unload, blanket wrap, etc
running cheap equipment others wouldn't touch
Hiring the cheapest drivers (and/or cheating them out of pay)

 

I tried all three.
Van is plain and simple. You don't sweat.
Reefer - much more liability with the cargo + equipment and insurance costs. The shippers/receivers test your patience all the time. Higher equipment costs and cargo insurance. The rates may not justify the move at this time.
Flatbed - You need someone to show you about cargo securement + be in good physical shape and be ready to get really dirty at loading and offloading. Rates I hear here make some difference but I know this job is more physically demanding. Tarping in a wet or freezing weather, worrying about tearing apart tarps in high winds. More scrutiny during inspections at scales etc. Anyway, it's the most masculine job and best rewarding perhaps. Myself, I am too lazy --- I am doing van.

 

Remember real truckers don't close doors.

 

I for instance, pay for access to a warehouse and try to build a trip load out of partial loads and that takes me 1 day or two before I can go. this may not be an option somewhere else.

 

I think that is the right path. Unless you have an uncle who is a flatbedder to show you things, you may find it difficult and discouraging to do a flatbed. But it all depends on how daring you are.