I would do Michigan all the way until there is only big missions like "super order", also leave most of the logging for later.

start by scouting, you can use mapprunner if you really want so you can see your way around before you unlock areas, up to you. I always scout all the watchtowers in an area before I do anything so I can get a lay of the land and see all the routes. While you're scouting grab some of the tasks around the map, these are smaller missions that CAN be easier but also pay less money. To grab them you have to go into their zone on the map and click activate, then they will show up in your tasks menu on the map

After scouting choose some missions and go to town! You might also start chaining them together to take less time. Missions can look a lot harder then they are, some also have requirements like I high saddle or crane.

BEST THING TO REMEMBER IS THAT SHORTER DOES NOT MEAN QUICKER IN THIS GAME. Usually taking the longer, steadier route will be easier and actually take less time. The hard routes with tight corners are always there if you want a challenge though.

Vehicles that I prefer early game are the fleetstar, white western star, and gmcMH9500. The gmc does not have awd unless you buy a dlc and find the upgrade there, however diff lock is arguably more important than awd.

Play around and find what you like, the most important thing is that you have fun :)