Don't listen to me but all of the above sound like good ideas. Joining a faction probably is the best way to get to know people who won't hate you for what you do.
I just started myself a couple of days ago, earning credits as a trader atm... I got some help from some guy that gave me 100k, enough to buy a Rhino freighter.
The people on the server are a great bunch.
See you in space :cool:
AbraX - Freelancer Trader
Chivas - Freelancer VHF
Robert.Le.Sable - Gallia ...??? Yet to think of