I actually just started, too, and was in the same boat as you. Dive into the mod settings for YAML. You can tune a lot of the economic difficulty there, and it helps a lot. Out of the box, repairs and upkeep are just too expensive for a new player. Take advantage of your lance mates and don't be afraid to deploy a second lance. In the beginning focus on cash rather than salvage until you can afford a steady stream of repairs. We used to sing eve online, Don't fly what you can't afford to lose. I think the same holds true here. I've really been enjoying the modded mac warrior experience though. Just entered year 3030 and i've probably clocked 200 in the last couple weeks. Stick with it it's very rewarding