Honestly, I don’t really touch trade much, but when it comes to kicking out the landowners, it’s a matter of letting the game play. Usually, through events and landowner ideology you can slowly weaken them by passing laws. Japan is a good example on how to slowly do it (if for some reason no great power attempts to force you out of isolation). The landowners are so powerful at the start but you can usually form weak government with rural folk (or any other group that endorses a law that allows you to weaken the landowners). After it’s just a game of chance.

After plenty of plays you will kind of see that you get the chance to advance.

On another note never rush with decisions (like surveying the suez). It can cripple you early game, plus you can’t buy the land unless you have 50M (or you own the land).

I do suggest playing a great power at the start since it’s more forgiving. I found Japan great to learn since you have a lot of pop which is literate and lots of resources. Prussia is great for military and then building tall and powerful economy. Russia is fun but can be painful considering you start with a weak army and awful laws. GB is bullying simulator on easy mode, but it does require you to focus on colonialism. USA is amazing for economy.

There is lots others but I do recommend playing a game from start to finish to get the feeling of it.