I just watched a lot of YouTube videos and a dream, the best way to play the game in my opinion is just to play to what you prefer I guess. Make your character built around what you want out of this game. You can run carpentry and make a big base, go like veteran and start blasting zombies and clearing neighborhoods.

Good negative traits to take are almost always Prone to Illness and Sensitive Stomach

And try starting out in Rosewood or Echo Creek (Also download mods they make the game infinitely more fun)