(Chazy's New Player Guide Disclaimer.
These are just my thoughts and opinions, and are no way endorsed by developers at Tapjoy, Invasion, nor are they in any way intended to convey offence to the humble Duck-Billed Platypus, or platypi fans anywhere)
First of all, building a base. I have went with x5 Armory (allows max units, and build queue amount), X6 Mints (unit build speed, generates cash) x4 Garage (repairs damaged unit).
Resources I have went x6 of each. Your units will not starve to death if you have negative food production and run out due to upkeep costs, so don't overbuild farms.
Base Missions and Guild Missions (found on the lower button bar in base view) are an essential way of gaining commander xp, my personal focus. Why?
Your commander generates bonuses across all aspects of base life. The commander has special talents like a research tree. Keep your commander safe. With a HQ level 10 or higher it as at risk to capture, for now focus on building up to hq8, and getting research done.
Commander Talents
My focus was on research speed. Only when my talents were max in lvl1 research, construction speed, gathering speed were maxed did I start putting points anywhere else.
Make very good use of the free vip status on your first day to upgrade all building to lvl4 or 5 very quickly.
War Sim, get to know this treasure trove and don't be scared paying sim chips to get good items like diamonds, 8hr speed ups etc. It will not always take 5 resupply to win - that is the max before auto win.
Attacking is a waste of time at this early stage. Your troops are very valuable to your power rating. You need over 5k each unit. Hang onto them and dont waste hours of production senselessly.
These are just a few thoughts and observations I have put together, and I hope they help. Just grow until you feel ready, or all your buildings are level 8. Then it's time for my 2nd stage expansion guide :-)
A good guild behind you will always help your growth. Contact any member of [K-U] Killas United in game and join today!!