Initially I did some small scale exploring & collected a few bountiens when interdicted.
Then I started doing trade runs and 'go-and-fetch' missions, until I could equip a Lakon 6 and fill it with 100 tonnes of Gold.
Then I switched to a rare commodity milk run, was only 10 jumps from station to station with Class A FSD in Lakon 6 & 100 -ton cargo space to net 3,26 million Cr for a round trip. Fuel scoop came in handy & learned to evade interdictions quite well.
Now flying an Asp, trying to find new places where to buy rare commodities, exploring on the way. That same milk run was 10 jumps one way with Class B FSD -equipped Asp, 8 jumps with Class A FSD. Once I amass a bit more Cr, I'll tune the Asp for combat and detailed exploration, leaving only some cargo space, if I happen to stumble upon some nice finds.
Saw a few Commanders around Lave/Leesti/Zaonce yesterday, even managed to exchange greetings with one.