The most expensive mistake new operators make is bringing gear they cannot afford to lose into sectors they cannot yet read.
Raids one to three: learn one map
Run Farm exclusively. Bring an MP-133 and a scav daypack. Your objective is to reach an extraction, not to fight.
Raids four to seven: start the Evita chain
Medical Supplies Search is the lowest-risk contract in the game and it opens the chain that eventually unlocks tier 4 medical barters.
Raids eight to ten: your first real loadout
An MP5 starter kit runs under 35,000 Koen fully configured and will win most close-range exchanges you are likely to be in at this stage.