I found that the Best buildings to invest in early on were the Gadgets builder.
you should have one bench/worktable

After that invest the first two levels of the base/hospital room.
you should have the ability to merge patches/boosts
you should have the expanded patch/boosts tile board

^<-- this should be done before you get to 2nd area.

next you should go back and give the gadget guy another upgrade.
and last work on finishing the base/hospital room.
then finish the gadget guy. after that. go for widgets.

although don't forget to buy whatever patches/boosts for you tile board you need.

i found that you can get plenty of widgets on the map. no need for the starter freebie that the shop keep gives you.

first of all. always go for the pirate tent if you can. never waste an opportunity to go there and gamble. its not a bad bargain for what you can gain vs what you would lose.

also always do furnaces. they will always pay up enough that its worth hunting them down. whether its in money or patches/boosts for your wrench. plus they are rather easy.

try your best to find the separated explorer team. they will always give a great patch/boost in the form of clearing part of the map. saves time for sure.

and always always always do the vaults as soon as you find them. the gadgets they give are a must. but don't bother going for them again. each gadget vault can be used once.

make use of dash. its beyond useful and can be of help in almost any situation.

find the beats. you will see them on thee map by looking for musical notes popping out. the conductor gives great patches for your wrench. High Grade ones.

remember that there is no need to beat all opponents on the current "room" you are in.

always use up your widgets. no need to save them up since upon death you lose them all.

if you need more money, enter a building(like the pirate tent) or change maps. causes all enemies to respawn and also causes all sparklite sources(pods/buried treasure.) to respawn as well