Beginner builds?

Hey all, I'm a few hours in and my most successful character was a level 12 gunwing preset that I was able to get to grit gate. My Gunwing runs have mostly ended because I got surprised and surrounded by tough enemies or one-shot by a turret or something.

Anything else I try seems to fizzle out in the first couple levels though. I've been trying other mutations and starting towns and I usually die to a centipede or something dumb before I can find any loot for half-decent equipment or level up more than a couple times. Anything outside the main quest from Joppa seems to have equal odds of being a cakewalk or being instant death.

Any good starting builds outside the presets? Any tips to avoid dying in the first 3 levels while I get my feet under me? What are the best early skills to invest in?