How to start?

Which method would be best for contacting a local manufacturer?

It seems like majority wont even look twice if you aren't talking about a serious amount of money

Maybe do an apointment and meet with them directly. That is the best way you can come to a result. But yes you are right, if you want to start dealing directly with a manufacturer you need to have a serious amount of money ready or in another words you have to have a very large order ready to be placed. It also depends in which branch are you planing to work with and in which country your manufacturer is.