I don't use Small Frame on my lead or crafter or support chars because i want the Carry Weight on those. I only use Small Frame on fighters. I don't mean my support chars don't fight - they do.
I think Fast Shot is a good choice for a first char, but i don't go with any crit perks unless it's a proper crit fighter. Instead i go for defense like Adrenaline Rush and Stonewall or even Quick Recovery and Quick Pockets (Fast Reload). More Ranged Damage? I only take that for fighters, but another Lifegiver would be appealing.
If you want to make a bunch of caps up front, one option is to gather junk in Boneyard and sell to girl in Salvagers. It's not the fastest but not the slowest either and very reliable. If you want to craft, you can pay for skill books and professional training this way. Also it doesn't take long to get 10k caps and you can get your own DYI base. Once you have a base, you have a safe place to drop your tent maps so additional characters can see tents.
One important skill though starting off i think is Lockpick. With high LP skill you can open random footlockers and pile up some worthy, free loot like Combat Armor.