Low quality slaves can't hunt for much food so it's easier to earn money and buy food. However, low quality slaves can't earn much money either so try to get good prostitutes or slaves with a grade of commoner who can do a wider variety of jobs. Avoid expansion or jailing people until you are confident in your finances. The first quest at the mage guild should give a bit of money that you can spend to get a few reasonable slaves who benefit your mansion.
Completing requests in the slave guild will give you a lot of quick gold in the early game so if the requests look possible, try to do them. These guild requests will give you the capital to purchase your adventuring gear.