- should I always start my training with Warm Up? or any Easy training will do?
- what if I only use the same Hard training? I don't get the team bonuses but what about the individual stat gains? are they affected?
I think yes. I 'm starting with warm up but if I want to do an individual training for one of my players (for example an attacker), I just put only relative drills.
A negative effect is that some times you 're not earning progress in training lv (the circle in upper right corner.

- do people prefer training or playing friendly matches?
Lately, with the training bonus, the majority prefers training.
For higher levels, they keep playing friendlies because it gives good money, necessary for the team, but in your case (in low levels) doesn't help as your stadium is small and you have to set the ticket to 1$ to gather fans. So not worthy. but it's useful for testing some new players.

- anyone has room in an active association? I may be new but I guarantee activity every day, loyalty and dedication
you can search also here
Associations

- what should I build as a new player? I started work on Training Facility for now
Doesn't matter. Build one by one without spending extra token (but not delay too).
In every lv, just leave Lights and Score board for last.

- some advice on tweaking my tactic would be great (unfortunately those are the players I have to work with for now)
I think it's good

I received my team in the middle of the season, in 5th place.
Not too bad, but my worry is I won't be able to beat the current 1st place
The most important is to promote to next CH.L.
money is an issue at low levels and only CH.L. games can help.
If you see that you can't do it, stay at the same lv , enforce your team (prefer cheap 26-30 y.o. 5* players) and learn more about the game.

Here is a compilation of useful threads I gathered
http://forum.topeleven.com/top-eleve...click-see.html