Save up $4k and build a small Warehouse at the junction outside Springfield.
When the scenario starts, pause the game. Do not click anything yet. Look at the map for these three things: railroad corporation first competition walkthrough
New players hate debt. Railroad Corporation rewards calculated risk. Go to the Bank and take the maximum loan available (usually $150,000). Why? Because the competition reward covers the interest, and you need cash now to lay track and buy 2-3 locomotives. Save up $4k and build a small Warehouse
connecting the starting city to the Grain Farm using the flattest terrain possible. railroad corporation first competition walkthrough