Casting

It really depends.

Good actors know their value and will more likely not work for little or no money.

Inexperienced actors will more likely work for free or very little because they want the experience or need more material for their demo reel.

Working with experienced and good actors is always a plus because they tend to take their craft very seriously. You get your money's worth.

Working with inexperienced actors might cause problems from punctuality (which is super important) to preparation to even hot flashes of ego or attitude.

It sounds like you're just starting. Making lil' films, which is probably best way to go about it because you don't want to bite more than you can chew. I would suggest to work with people you know first to get a better understanding. If you're just starting out, chances are your films are not going to be all that great. It takes time to learn the craft and even more time to master it...most never really master it anyways but goal is become better, or as good as you potentially can be. You should look into taking acting courses/classes to get better understanding what actor brings to the set/stage. In that class you could meet some people that could help you make couple lil' films.

But once you get things going and you feel like it's time to step it up...

Social media is great place to advertise casting gigs. FB has many groups you can join for your area specifically (NYC, LA, or even smaller metros like Tampa Bay). You could also contact a casting agency, that will probably be the best way to get exactly or close to what you're casting for.

Since you are a writer, you can write specific scripts with specific parts for people you know/meet. Always include actors in you budget and if you can't make sure you feed them really good stuff. I've been involved in many "passion projects" where everyone had passion for director's vision but what really kept our spirits for countless hours was the bomb food.

A lot of actors willing to work with you if they really like the script/your vision for the project...but at least buy them great lunch and pump their car.

Thanks! 

I've been writing for three years just about but have, honestly, purposely avoided doing the directing/producing/actual filmmaking thing. I'm doing it now because I'm passionate enough about my work that I feel like making something and putting it out there is just about the only way I can get my name out there at this point, considering my circumstances.

Two words: Jeff Goldblum 

Do it. It's fun and heartbreaking as well as highly rewarding in the end.

Start small. Don't try to tackle a project that will overwhelm you. You see it's better to make a GOOD simple short instead of an AWFUL complex one.

At least that's how I see it. Have a ball. Share your work if you like. Early stuff can be pretty brutal but once you learn from your own mistakes you can improve and get better.