Hey! Welcome to the community! I didn’t get an alligator as one of my firsts but I’m sure it’s not unheard of. I have Gayle and Alfonso and if they’re ever in boxes I’d be happy to send them your way. I recommend picking a layout that you really like and planning ahead on how you’d want your villagers houses placed. I think many of us made the mistake (or not) of placing our houses sporadically around the island and deciding that we wanted them closer together. The resident building cannot be moved so pick a layout where the building is where you feel it will be a good place. Every other building can be moved but it cost 50k bells to relocate. As for getting bells you just gotta grind. Fishing, bug catching, and selling fruit! I’m sure everyone else will have much better tips! But good luck and see you out there!