You will dig your own grave working for the apps. The reason I got into setting up a taxi business was to be my own boss, I never accept an offer of a run unless I can price it myself, you either let me name my price or get lost, im not working for anyone ever again.
id rather do no runs than do a trip as an employee for another taxi firm.
your 4 figures wont last with free now, they aren't in business to make you rich. Uber in the U.S. barely pay their drivers minimum wage.