Early strategy suggestions

[Caduceus]

I guess I am a moron, but I can't seem to get out of the box I get into every game. I research for a few turns, get a few more units (higher end infantry or archers of some sort) then sally forth and get a province or two. Then I stall. I can't seem to
a.) continue to conquer more provinces because there are either to many independents or another player has them
b.) support a large army on these provinces because of income problems or cap out on leader's numbers of troops beneath him
c.) research any new spells because I send my pretender out and he gets creamed early on.

Any basic strategy points?

wildcard