Print on demand is great for low volume printing. Createspace is a good resource for this. They give you a free ISBN number. Lulu works but is more expensive. GotPrint is good for promotional items. It is recommended that you do not do spread covers (that span front and back of book).In general, it is best not to do work for free. Exposure is hardly worth anything. Better to partner up with a writer or artist. Make sure you have a contract to specify the terms. You don't need a lawyer to draw it up. Contracts are especially needed if you are working with your friends.
The contractual relationship could be a work for hire, where you pay them up front in exchange for all the rights to the work. Be careful and weary about giving up your digital rights. Better to do a partnership where you share a percentage of ownership in the product.
There is no guarantee of any profits. If there are any, it will probably takes years to generate them. So if you can get a fare rate for your work, you might consider a work for hire relationship. Note that it is customary to retain the right to use your works in a portfolio that does not generate revenue.
