Combat Patrol Sucks, so How do I start?

Hey all, I’m making my way back into 40K and interested in starting a DA army. Scrolling through a bunch of prior posts the consensus seems to be the combat patrol sucks. So my question is what’s the best way to build 1k points? My question is less about an optimal list (although thoughts there also appreciated) and more about what are core units/boxes that I’ll most likely use as my army evolves? And, should I be looking into individual boxes or are there other “deals” like the combat patrol that are worth looking into/waiting for?

Separately, what do you all find to be the strengths/limitations of DA? What do they struggle to do or who do they struggle against? Thanks!