I have tried not to get sucked into overpaying, but it's awfully tough. Seems like you did pretty well, Dean.
I have spent 50K on arena, bought two old players for a combined 57K and bought two coaches for a combined 8K, both Basic. I couldn't imagine sticking with Minimal, but paying as much for coaches as players seemed silly so I stuck with Basic.
$181K left, so I feel I've done alright.
I'll join the people waiting a week or 2 before buying trainers... when the chaos for trainers dies out a bit.
I'll be rocking the 4.7k salary basic trainer for at least a week or two, so as to get at least a slight boost above the minimal trainer but not have to spend the ridiculous rates guys are going for now. Finding players to build the startup team has of course been a greater challenge, and doubly so for potential trainees. But I suppose if you jump into a pool of sharks you can't really complain that there are no easy fish left to eat.