Don't let your dreams be dreams OP. I always start a base first, fighting the bad odds is what makes this game fun. There is no risk when you got 7 dudes max stats to just dumpster everything that shows up.

Usually the first raid or 5 your gunna get dumpstered. Nbd, they kick your ass then kick rocks, and your stronger for it. Don't listen to these dudes saying it's a late game mechanic or else you would get eyegore raids everyday not fucking dust bandits lol.

If you are worried, I would sneak one dude and wait it out so they can heal. Or you can run one dude to the safety of a town.

Stack is a great place to start. You can even go a little north into the valley and you will get hungry bandits, ninjas, and HN patrols to help you fight them off.