Where are you based? Maybe someone closer to your region can help

I suggest adding a bit more to this to strengthen idea that someone giving you an expensive piece of hardware is doing real good and isn't just getting scammed in some way.

Things that might help: - what kind of consulting? - have you done that kind of consulting before? - what youre doing now to make things work - do you have work lined up? - some commitment to follow up with info about your progress after getting a laptop - some commitment to paying it forward by passing a laptop on later once you're on your feet

None of this proves this isn't a scam but it might make people more interested in rolling the dice.

Your local computer store likely has some decent used laptops. IE we have a local store “FruitFixed” that repairs devices and has a rack of used MacBooks.

If you can afford shipping fees, you can probably buy a raspberry pi 3 or 4 and have enough machine power to get stuff done.

Also, you can find used thinkpads on facebook marketplace and a dozen other places for anything from $50 to $150.

Drive an Uber, make a few bucks and buy one yourself?

Can you start on a library computer or something like that? I think some libraries also lend out laptops.

Freelancing requires selling yourself as able to solve problems with your own wherewithal. EBay has used Thinkpads for $100 or so that are suitable for a lot of freelance work. Good luck.

I got my current PC from a dumpster, that might work for you. Or check out your local FreeGeek or similar place that gives away old computers.

What device did you use to post this from?

Sounds like scam, I highly suggest you flip some burgers to get your first money.

Get a freelance gig and ask for retainer.