My new strategy for seed money:
After getting to Riverwood, acquire Faendal as a follower and chop firewood if you are under 40 gold. Head to Whiterun Stables and ride the carriage to Solitude. Swim across the river near Solitude Sawmill and acquire Meeko. Swim back across and ride the carriage to Riften.
Go to Fort Dawnguard if you have the DLC. Get a crossbow and bolts for Faendal (and one for you if you want). Get the Amulet of Zenithar from the shrine near Riften's north gate after your followers deal with the nasty spider. Head into Riften and play along with the thieves' guild long enough to get the guild hood's mercantile bonuses.
Ride the carriage to Markarth and head to Kolskeggr Mine. If possible, lure one Forsworn away from the other two and give the equipment to Faendal, or if you use mods that make the enemies more difficult, get 500 extra gold and hire Marcurio or Vorstag instead.
Using your followers, clear Kolskeggr and collect all the gold ore from inside. Receive your reward from Pavo and turn in all your gold ore at the same time (3200g). Ride the carriage to Windhelm and head to Kynesgrove, then up the hill to the dragon mound, then east to Narzulbur. Collect all the non-owned ebony ore at the minimum and turn it in (2940g).
If you have the Dragonborn DLC, consider going to Solstheim to get the Blackguard hood. If you need a little more pocket change, also do odd jobs around all the carriage cities (especially the ones that don't train any skills). With well over 6000 gold in your possession, you can easily get 200 petty soul gems, or get a Hearthfire house with garden and greenhouse dedicated to lucrative alchemy!
My new strategy for seed money:
After getting to Riverwood, acquire Faendal as a follower and chop firewood if you are under 40 gold. Head to Whiterun Stables and ride the carriage to Solitude. Swim across the river near Solitude Sawmill and acquire Meeko. Swim back across and ride the carriage to Riften.
Go to Fort Dawnguard if you have the DLC. Get a crossbow and bolts for Faendal (and one for you if you want). Get the Amulet of Zenithar from the shrine near Riften's north gate after your followers deal with the nasty spider. Head into Riften and play along with the thieves' guild long enough to get the guild hood's mercantile bonuses.
Ride the carriage to Markarth and head to Kolskeggr Mine. If possible, lure one Forsworn away from the other two and give the equipment to Faendal, or if you use mods that make the enemies more difficult, get 500 extra gold and hire Marcurio or Vorstag instead.
Using your followers, clear Kolskeggr and collect all the gold ore from inside. Receive your reward from Pavo and turn in all your gold ore at the same time (3200g). Ride the carriage to Windhelm and head to Kynesgrove, then up the hill to the dragon mound, then east to Narzulbur. Collect all the non-owned ebony ore at the minimum and turn it in (2940g).
If you have the Dragonborn DLC, consider going to Solstheim to get the Blackguard hood. If you need a little more pocket change, also do odd jobs around all the carriage cities (especially the ones that don't train any skills). With well over 6000 gold in your possession, you can easily get 200 petty soul gems, or get a Hearthfire house with garden and greenhouse dedicated to lucrative alchemy!