At the very beginning, stop the simulation when the map loads. It will allow you to avoid losing money on maintenance of newly placed buildings.

Precisely check the fragment of the map given to you. Check its surrounding grounds as well, to see in which direction your city will grow.

If one of the edges contains water, check if it is drinkable by trying to build sewage pipe. Water current must be at decent level for you to be able to place water pumping station there and water drain pipe below. If current is weak, then you will have to invest in more expensive water towers.